Concept plan for Bega War Memorial Pool upgrade. Image: Supplied.
Bega Valley Shire Council has endorsed an upgrade concept plan for Bega War Memorial Pool which will enable further project development and applications for external funding.
Council’s leisure and recreation manager, John Grady, said the facility is due for renewal and the concept plan proposes 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,” he 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 project planning develops, a Project Control Group 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,” he said. “The feasibility of these will be worked through as the project develops.”
Council’s aquatic and leisure facilities coordinator, Nic Hoynes, said the pool has been an important part of Bega and the wider shire for 57 years and continues 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; provided a safe location to escape the summer heat; and for health, recreation and fitness,” he said.
“Our aim is to ensure the community has full enjoyment of this important recreational asset for many years to come.”
Council will seek to secure funding for the project through Federal and NSW government funding sources.
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