Splashdown delayed
$87m aquatic centre opening put back to spring
Work on a highly anticipated $87 million aquatic centre on the southern Gold Coast has been delayed.
Gold Coast City Council is now preparing for a spring opening of the Palm Beach Aquatic and Community Centre after the original date was to be mid-year.
City CEO Tim Baker apologised for the delays in a statement released yesterday.
“The Palm Beach Aquatic and Community Centre is now 76 per cent complete with the current focus on the internal fit-out and upgrades to widen Thrower Drive,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we have experienced a further delay and the centre is now expected to reopen in Spring 2024.
“The delay is due to a subcontractor unable to fulfil their requirements, but a new subcontractor has been appointed to complete the required works.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delay but it is vital we deliver an exceptional facility for our growing population on the southern Gold Coast.”
Division 13 candidate Josh Martin, who is waiting to be announced as the councillor to replace Daphne McDonald, is seeking an update.
“I am aware that the reopening will now be delayed and it’s disappointing news for many local residents who have been eager to get back into the pool,” he said. “If elected, I will be seeking a briefing from the CEO without delay to understand what has occurred and ensure we can reopen the pool as soon as possible.”
The redevelopment will feature a heated indoor pool, a 25m outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a water play park, multi-purpose spaces, a cafe, creche and basement carparking.
There will be 139 carparks undercover and 18 external.
The Bulletin in a report in February last year revealed a cost blowout which saw the original quote of $54m increase to more than $87m.
The delays come as southern Gold Coast residents shared their doubts surrounding the redevelopment’s opening in mid-2024 on social media.
“It was supposed to be April. No chance of that,” Sharon Coyle said.
Another resident Denise Reed said: “They can build high-rises in record time but not a public pool.”
A council spokesperson said delays last year had been caused by “challenges with the supply chain and increased costs and availability of materials impacting on the construction costs and timelines”.
“Adverse weather also contributed to delays,” they said.
Division 13 council candidate Nikki Archer said, while there was some community angst around the delayed project, “the response has been extremely positive”.
“Like many large-scale projects, there were some setbacks causing delay in completion,” she said.
“Understandably, there may be a level of frustration – the project’s opening has seen some delay – but the vast majority (of locals) are very excited to have these world-class facilities in their neighbourhood.”
A council spokesperson said the aquatic centre redevelopment was necessary due to the “growth in demand on the southern Gold Coast”.
We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delay but it is vital we deliver an exceptional facility for our growing population on the southern Gold Coast.
Tim Baker
Council CEO