Bega pool upgrade moves to detailed design stage

18 December 2020

Bega Valley Shire Council has endorsed concept plans for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Bega War Memorial swimming pool, paving the way for further project development and applications for external funding for the project.

Council’s Leisure and Recreation Manager, John Grady said the pool was becoming due for renewal and the concept plans propose the widening of the pool, improved accessibility, multi-use spaces and operational efficiencies created by improvements in technology and environmentally sustainable features.

“What we’re proposing will renew the life of this much-loved facility, making it more accessible, efficient and contemporary,” Mr Grady said.

“The concepts have been developed with input from current and previous operators of the pool and were presented to the community as part of the swimming Pools Strategy discussion in late 2019. With this direction from Council we can now keep working on project development and aim for external grant funding opportunities.

“As the project planning develops a Project Control Group (PCG) will be formed to assist with representing primary stakeholders and user groups throughout the project.”

Mr Grady said the concept designs take advantage of improvements in technology, including more efficient equipment, maximising solar electricity to offset operational costs and the use of environmentally friendly building materials.

“The concept drawings show some examples of additional elements that may be included in the final project, such as a waterslide. The feasibility of these will be worked through as the project develops.”

Council’s Aquatic & Leisure Facilities Coordinator Nic Hoynes said the pool had been an important part of Bega and the wider Shire for 57 years and continued to hold records among the Shire’s five swimming pools for attendance, learn to swim participation and school squad programs.

“Bega War Memorial swimming pool has given generations of children the chance to learn to swim and provided a safe location to escape the summer heat, and for health, recreation and fitness.

“Our aim is to ensure the community has full enjoyment of this important recreational asset for many years to come.”

Council will now seek to secure funding for the project through Australian and NSW government funding sources.