Expressions of Interest sought for state of the art hydrotherapy pool complex

Armidale Regional Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from businesses for the design, construction, co-investment and management of a state of the art hydrotherapy pool complex.

It is proposed that the new complex will be situated at Monckton Aquatic Centre, and will offer year-round heated facilities for a wide range of water-based therapies for all age groups.

Armidale Regional Councillor Peter Bailey said the intent of the EOI is to engage interested parties and potential investors in an open dialogue to potentially contribute to Council’s vision for providing high-quality hydrotherapeutic services to the community.

“It is envisaged that the project may be delivered as a public-private partnership, with initial designs and business cases indicating attractive commercial returns for investors, while delivering significant positive outcomes to the community,” Councillor Bailey said.

The Hydrotherapy Pool Working Party has been working on the EOI, though Council is open-minded about how to optimise the development of the hydrotherapy centre and associated businesses.

Council has secured funding of approximately $1.4 million for the development, including contributions from NSW State Government. However a further $2.4 million is currently being sought via the Federal Government to be able to implement the proposed plans.

“The Working Party has been working along side Council to develop a great concept for a complex that could include features such as a children’s splash pool, wet sauna, a therapeutic gym, a coffee shop, off-street parking and health consulting rooms,” Councillor Bailey said.

“But it’s important that we secure further funding to be able to execute these additional features and create a state of the art hydrotherapy complex.”

The overall aim of the centre is to provide versatile hydrotherapeutic amenities for customers with diverse health needs, within a well-constructed and commercially sustainable precinct, for the benefit of current and future generations of residents and visitors alike.

The public amenity will replace a recently decommissioned hydrotherapy facility formerly located within the Armidale public hospital precinct.

Full details of the EOI are available on Council's website www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au with submissions closing 2.30pm Tuesday 2 June 2020.

Published on 20 May 2020