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The second stage of refurbishment works at Horsham Aquatic Centre’s 50m outdoor pool are nearing completion. A crane has been on site last week to install two new 26-tonne filters that will allow for a safer and more efficient chlorination system. Horsham Rural City Council Community Wellbeing Director .evin O’brien said the fitting of new pipe work and pumping systems in August and September will complete the upgrades to the filtration system. “These works will enable the YMCA to better monitor and manage pool water quality for the 2018-2019 outdoor pool season and beyond,” Mr O’brien said. “The new filters will sit external to the existing plant room building, there are no changes proposed to the layout or appearance of the existing plant rooms. “We’ve had contractors on site at different stages for several months now. Most of the work that’s been done is actually inside the plant room, so people won’t have necessarily seen the important progress that has been made.” Mr O’brien said plans for a wet deck guttering system including new pipework, pool shell and concourse would also be finalised over the few next months, with works proposed to start in 2019. “Now that the modern filtration system is in place, we can move onto planning the installing of the wet deck and associated works which will enhance safety as well the overall appearance. “Alterations to the pool’s shell will make the depth compliant with elite competition standards. Mayor Pam Clarke said having Horsham’s outdoor pool refurbished to modern standards was a blessing for the community. “A feasibility study in 2011 identified significant work was needed to keep the pool operational. That meant there was significant doubt over the pool’s future and Councillors made the choice to commit to fully refurbishing it,” Cr Clarke said. “The pool could have easily been lost, so to have the filtration works completed for this summer is a fantastic result. “If we lost our outdoor pool it would have been to the determent of our community. “This is just the first step in what is going to be a long list of improvements which the community can start to enjoy from this summer onwards. “The wet decks won’t be ready until the following summer but they will make the pool a more modern facility. “There are also future plans for a children’s splash pool area which will be perfect for young families,” Cr Clarke said. YMCA Victoria will continue to operate the Horsham Aquatic Centre until at least the end of -une 2021 after a contract extension was approved by Councillors this year. Last summer there were more than 170,000 visits to the centre, 1700 individual members, 1600 Personal Training Session delivered and over 5000 visits to the YMCA Swimming Lesson Program. “We are anticiapting the usage to rise this coming summer. A lot of money has been invested in the outdoor pool and the community will see the benfit of that,” Cr Clarke said. Horsham Rural City Council and the Wimmera’s real estate industry have partnered in a new project supporting businesses looking for property in the municipality. As part of its commitment to grow the region’s economy, Council last week participated in a workshop with real estate stakeholders where ideas and issues were discussed. Director Development Services Angela Murphy said Council wanted to ensure Horsham was attractive and convenient for a business looking to set up or expand its presence. “We want the process of searching for property here in the Wimmera to be as straightforward as possible for any future small or medium business,” Ms Murphy said. “There were a number of initiatives to come out of the workshop. It was a very positive meeting. “We will create a centralised information point on Council’s website where people can see vacant commercial properties. “Also part of the plan is facilitating a regular development forum to provide up-to-date information on small business, building and planning requirements. “Celebrating and profiling new businesses and achievements was also discussed at the workshop,” Ms Murphy said. Mayor Pam Clarke said looking to the future and understanding the needs of modern business was crucial. “It’s not just about retail shops in the main street. There a various types of premises that new and expanding businesses are looking for such as factories, sheds and larger retail facilities,” Cr Clarke said. “We have seen a number of local business that have expanded and moved to larger premises. Being able to support those businesses to find exactly what they require makes the entire process much more attractive. “If you have an idea for a business within the Horsham Rural City Council, the Council’s Economic Development team recommends you set up a time to visit with the staff to discuss your ideas,” Cr Clarke said. For more information on the project contact Stephen Pykett, Manager Economic Development, on 0448 537 314.