Plans lodged for $31 million sports facility in Googong

Plans for a $31 million Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre for Googong have been submitted.

Peet and Mirvac have lodged a development application (DA) with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) for the facility, which would be built on the northwestern part of the Googong Common.

According to documents submitted to QPRC, the facility at 14 Heazlett Street would include a 25 m, eight lane pool and a 50 sqm wading pool. A two-court indoor sports hall would also be located at the back of the development.

While the front of the proposed building would be nine metres tall, the DA proposes the back of the building rises to 11.2 metres for the sports hall.

The developers are also asking QPRC for a variation, to allow for the increase from the permitted height of nine metres.

“The additional height is at the rear of the building, furthest from adjoining residential development,” according to the DA.

“The site also slopes away from the road further reducing the impact from the street.”

Head of Googong Residents Association Dean Martin said residents knew the facility was long planned for their town.

“The DAs from developers are always there. We knew that they were going to be submitted for this, eventually, because the plan was to always have a sports and aquatic centre,” he said.

“It’s a great milestone for me and my family, as well as the rest of Googong.

“I think it’s well overdue to get the process started.”

Landscaping works and signage are also proposed for the project, as well as associated amenities and storage areas.

However, a pump track would have to be demolished for the project to progress.

According to the DA, access to the Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre would be through two points on Heazlett Street.

Minor modifications to the existing car park are proposed, including the removal of several spaces. These would be replaced with a direct pedestrian path connecting footpaths to the facility.

Mr Martin believes the proposed building would expand facilities in the growing town.

“At the moment, I believe we don’t have an indoor sports centre where I can take my kids down and teach them how to play basketball.

“For an aquatic centre, we do have a pool in Googong, however that’s privately owned.

“Having this would be another place where we can enjoy life.”

Once built on Heazlett Street in Googong, the facility would be operated by QPRC.

“I’m sure if anyone’s got concerns [with the DA], they’ll raise it,” Mr Martin said.

“I think it’s more about getting stuff built here.

“We’re a community that’s growing pretty quickly, and I’d say the majority of us are excited and want to get more stuff done.”

The Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre would seek a ‘5 Star Green Rating’.

Submissions on the DA, which has the ID DA.2024.0138, can be made to Council until 7 June.