Darwin council announce $25 million Casuarina Pool makeover as major project in 2020/2021 budget

A NEW cafe and play area will be the highlight of a $25 million redevelopment of Casuarina Pool as part of Darwin council’s 2020/2021 municipal plan

Casuarina Pool is set for a makeover, with a new play area and cafe to make it a more family-friendly venue. Picture: Justin Kennedy

A NEW cafe and play area making for a family-friendly venue will highlight a $25 million redevelopment of Casuarina Pool as part of Darwin council’s 2020/2021 municipal plan.

The announcement comes as council is set to unveil a record budget and masterplan on Wednesday.

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Darwin Council has also said there will be no increase to rates as part of their budget.

Casuarina Pool tender winner Randal Ashford of Ashford Architects said he has used the pool for the best part of 30 years and was looking forward to fulfilling the community’s needs.

“As a local firm we have a comprehensive understanding of the Casuarina Pool site, the local context and the project objectives,” he said.

“We have engaged a mix of local and interstate sub-consultants, all with a wealth of experience and knowledge in aquatic and recreation facility design and community engagement, to assist us and ensure the design delivered meets the expectations and needs of the community for another 30 years.”

A cafe, creche, indoor fitness and allied health services are all being considered for the project’s designs, with the facility set to become a family-friendly community hub, offering recreation, relaxation and active areas along with, meeting spaces and youth-focused facilities.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said he was happy the tender had been awarded to a local business.

“(Ashford Architects) know our community, understand our unique environment and our lifestyle needs, so are best placed to deliver this project,” he said.

”The successful tenderer, Ashford Architects will be preparing a masterplan to guide the future use, development and management of the Casuarina Pool site; providing a contemporary family aquatic and leisure facility.”

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Built in 1970, Casuarina Pool has been used by local residents and visitors, and has hosted local and interstate competitions, for over 30 years.