A state-of-the-art aquatic and leisure centre project in the Adelaide Hills is set to get underway in January, despite the projected costs increasing by around $20M in the past six years.
The centre to be built in the Mount Barker Summit Sport and Recreation Park across from the Laratinga Wetlands will include a 25-metre pool, a competition grade 10-lane pool, a leisure pool, warm water therapy pool, an expansive gym, fitness rooms, crèche, and a café.
The project was projected to cost $29.6 million in 2018, which has since increased to $51.8 million, with council citing the ‘post-Covid economic landscape’ as the reason with construction costs increasing up to 40 per cent, industry-wide.
The project has been co-funded by a $15 million federal Community Development grant and $7.3 million from the state government’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program.
Award-winning builder Kennett, the group behind the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre, have won the contract. They are hoping to have it finished mid-to-late 2025.
