After months of anticipation, the new multi-million dollar Inverell Aquatic Centre is set to welcome the public for the first time this Thursday, 27 February.
The facility, which has been in development for several years, was officially handed over to Inverell Shire Council by Hines Construction last Friday after reaching practical completion.
The state-of-the-art centre has also been granted World Aquatics Accreditation, formerly known as FINA accreditation, making it the only facility in northern New South Wales to hold this prestigious recognition.
Mayor of Inverell Shire Council, Kate Dight, said the project stands as the most significant infrastructure development, in dollar terms, ever undertaken by Inverell Shire Council.
:Years of planning and community consultation were dedicated to designing a facility that will serve the region’s needs for generations.
“Council takes great pride in seeing the Inverell Aquatic Centre come to life, close to forecast time and well within funding allocation,” said Cr Dight.
The centre features an eight-lane indoor/outdoor pool (50 metres in summer and 25 metres heated in winter), a 20-metre warm water program pool with a movable floor for all-abilities access, a toddlers’ pool, a splashpad, a café, a large multi-purpose room, training rooms, and a range of aquatic and exercise classes.
Belgravia Leisure, the company managing the facility, is in the final stages of preparation before the public opening. Katherine Forman, General Manager of Operations at Belgravia Leisure, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Council and the opportunities the centre provides.
“Belgravia Leisure is proud to partner with Inverell Shire Council to manage the Inverell Aquatic Centre. This multi-purpose facility is designed to be a community space, with facilities and activities welcoming all ages and abilities, including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports, and those with special needs,” said Ms Forman.
“This development will provide substantial year-round indoor facilities, addressing many community needs. We are looking forward to working with Council in connecting the community to leisure,” she added.
Venue Manager, Victoria Plain, said the return of swimming lessons to the region is a major milestone.
“I can’t wait to see students swimming at Inverell Aquatic Centre. We haven’t had a pool in so long, I know our facilities will be integral to teaching students lifelong swimming and water safety skills,” said Ms Plain.
While most of the facility is ready, the central splashpad feature is still in transit. Due to manufacturing delays beyond the control of the council or contractors, the installation of the splashpad will take place in the coming weeks.
An official opening event is planned once the splashpad is installed, with invitations extended to State and Federal Ministers. A date for this event will be announced soon.
To celebrate the soft opening, Inverell Shire Council and Belgravia Leisure will offer free entry to the Aquatic Centre every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 pm until Easter. Capacity limits will apply, and residents are encouraged to check the Inverell Aquatic Centre Facebook page for updates before attending.
Public tours of the facility will also be available and can be booked via the Active World app or in person at the reception after the opening day.
The Inverell Aquatic Centre will officially open its doors to the community at 6:00 am this Thursday.
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