Major milestone for new Aquatic Centre
Construction of the multi-million-dollar Canterbury Leisure and Aquatic Centre (CLAC) is moving to its next phase after the equivalent of five Olympic sized swimming pools worth of concrete was poured.
The new state-of-the-art facility is at the halfway stage and replaces a 64-year-old pool that was well past its used-by-date and no longer able to cater for future growth of the local community.
The massive construction project has been challenging with contractors encountering a number of unexpected issues after demolishing the building.
Since then work has progressed steadily and will be moving into the next stage after 1,020 concrete piles were installed and around 12,500 cubic metres of concrete poured to support the new buildings.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the project was one of the most ambitious undertaken by Council and when finished will be one the entire community can enjoy.
“I’m excited to see this vision that was just a plan become a reality,” he said.
“The pool is taking shape and the facilities we are building will cater for all in our community. Before you know it we will all be doing laps.”
Work will soon get underway to install the steel frame of the buildings, a new roof and lift.
When construction is complete the centre will be bigger, safer and more accessible and include the following features:
- a 50-metre outdoor pool and 25-metre heated indoor pool
- an indoor heated therapy pool
- a zero-depth children’s water play area
- accessible change facilities
- allied health suites
- a cafe
- a new sauna, gym and fitness centre.
There will also be improved sport and fitness opportunities for our fast-growing community.