Big vision to revamp pool

A revamped Mt Barker Memorial Swimming Pool precinct would feature a hydrotherapy facility, learn-to-swim pool, gymnasium and cafe under a multi-million vision being explored by the Shire of Plantagenet council.

The council voted last month to endorse a detailed study of a plan by Roberts Gardiner Architects, which carried a total indicative cost of estimate of about $7.9 million.

It was one of four options on the table for council developed by Consulting Great Southern.

Consulting Great Southern was engaged by the Shire to conduct a feasibility study and consult the community about the future of the 50-year-old pool.

The study came back with four options — to refurbish the existing pool, create a new 50m pool or a 25m pool at the same location or to relocate the pool to the Sounness Park Sports Precinct.

The council voted unanimously to further explore the first option of refurbishment.

Shire strategic developments executive manager Andrus Budrikis said it was obvious from visual inspection and reports that there needed to be work done to repair aspects of the pool.

“They are all good options but they all have different price tags attached,” he said. “The comm-unity pretty overwhelming supported keeping the pool in the same location in town that it is.”

Mr Budrikis said testing of the pool structure and the likely difference in costs of the four options had influenced the council’s decision.

“We did some extensive structural testing on the pool, which has confirmed that the 50m pool shell, with maintenance and minor repair work, would have a fairly reasonable life expectancy left in it. It still probably got a life expectancy of 20 years well ahead of it.

“For that reason, council is looking more seriously now at the refurbishment of the existing pool because that is a cheaper option and it looks like it can be done with the assurance that it will have a good life expectancy.”

A “wish list” of features was included in the planning for each option based on the community consultation, including the learn to swim pool, hydrotherapy facility. The redevelopment might have to be staged depending on the funding secured.

The detailed refurbishment study is expected to be completed by March. The council will then consider whether to proceed.