Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre

Following months of behind the scenes work the detailed design of the Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub is now complete. The completion of the plans now enables Council and project architects DesignInc to release tender documentation to shortlisted construction companies as part of the select tender process following the recent expression of interest advertised on the open market.

“It is really exciting that we have now progressed to the procurement stage of the project after more than 18 months of tireless work by all involved,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said.

“For many months there has been a lot of essential work taking place behind the scenes to reach this point and I am sure the community will be pleased to see the project moving closer towards becoming a reality.”

The nationwide expression of interest process aimed to establish the current capacity and capability of construction companies within the open market.

"The select tender process is now about sharing the specific and detailed design with the shortlisted prospective head contractors to enable the project to be properly costed according to the market and so we can endeavour to get the best value for money for our community."

City of Mount Gambier staff and Elected Members have been working closely with the project architects, with input from the Community Reference Group, to refine the intermediate design presented to the community late in 2018.

Refinements to the design have been minimal and are focused on meeting compliance for a range of sporting codes and the National Construction Code following recent changes. Whole of life factors have also been considered as part of the refinements to ensure the best value can be sought through both the construction and operation phases of the facility.

"The plans have been refined to ensure the new facility is compliant with current standards and best practice in the construction industry with these changes mainly focused on recently introduced building fire safety regulations," City of Mount Gambier CEO Andrew Meddle said.

The facility has been designed to increase the City’s ability to host major state and national sporting competitions, conferences, events and performances and is expected to provide significant social and economic benefits to Mount Gambier.

“Council has also considered the varying sporting codes that will be accommodated and has made minor amendments to the intermediate design to ensure that the facility is future proofed and there is the capacity and flexibility to enable more people to play more sports more often,” Mr Meddle said.

As the project has progressed from intermediate to detailed design other refinements include the introduction of additional commercial kitchen space, enhanced water play area, additional storage, hydronic flooring, provisions for solar power and increased electrical capabilities.

“The inclusion of a three-phase power outlet improves the flexibility of the facility and is essential to running large scale events.”

“The increased electrical capabilities also provide the option to power the whole facility by generator, which will enable the site to be used as a disaster recovery centre should the need ever arise,” Mr Meddle said.

Based on feedback from the community the first floor commercial kitchen size has been increased. This will allow greater flexibility to service multiple events and activities concurrently at the café and on the first floor.

"The input we’ve had so far towards the project from various stakeholders has been most valuable and our focus remains on delivering a multi-purpose facility for the whole community to enjoy" Mayor Lynette Martin said.

The addition of hydronic flooring has been included in the design and aims to reduce costs associated with the operation of the facility.

“Heated flooring in the wet areas has many benefits including improved energy efficiency. It also reduces the amount of ongoing maintenance and cleaning required and helps to improve safety by making the floor surfaces less slippery,” Mr Meddle said.

The core elements of the facility as presented in the intermediate design have been retained, including:

• Conference, events and performance space, adaptable for many uses with 1000 person plus capacity,
• Six indoor multi-purpose courts catering for various sports and users,
• All year round aquatics facility including children’s water play/splash pad area, learn to swim pool, 25 metre pool and warm water/program pool,
• Community and function rooms,
• Fitness areas,
• Dedicated youth space, and
• Integration with existing 50 metre outdoor pool throughout the summer months.

A quantity surveyor conducted initial cost estimates for the facility in 2018 based on the intermediate design to progress the project and to enable Council to prepare applications for Federal and State Government funding.

"Council was required to submit a shovel ready proposal and as such required a level of costing to be undertaken for funding purposes and preliminary planning," Mr Meddle said.

Now that the detailed design and specifications for the project have been finalised the cost will be determined through the competitive tender process.

"As with any project that is construction based, it is the open market that dictates how much the project will cost to build."

"This is not dissimilar to building a house where initial plans are drawn up and then it is not until you obtain a formal quote from a builder and finalise all your selections that you get a true indication of the real cost of the build. The Community and Recreation Hub is no exception to this concept, but on a much larger scale."

“The Council also has a responsibility to the community to ensure the tender process is not compromised and that we achieve the best value from the market,” Mr Meddle said.

The select tender process is expected to be completed by the end of February 2020 with construction anticipated to commence on site shortly after. The project is on track to be completed as originally planned in late 2021.

Work on the project will continue behind the scenes during the procurement process with the contract for project management services currently being finalised and investigation of operating models underway.

“In addition to the procurement process, we are currently working to identify an operating model that will best serve the needs of the community and will determine the necessary resources required for the facility to function,” Mr Meddle said.

The project team will be out and about at the following locations next week:

Tuesday 10 December 2019 - Civic Centre Courtyard
10.30am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 5.00pm

Wednesday 11 December 2019 - the Riddoch and Main Corner Complex
10.30am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 5.00pm

Thursday 12 December 2019 - Mount Gambier Library
10.30am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 5.00pm

“We encourage interested members of the community to come along to one of these sessions to view the detailed design and palette selection and ask any questions you may have about the project,” Mayor Martin said.

There is still an opportunity to submit ideas for a name for the new facility with Mayor Martin encouraging the community to get involved.

"Name ideas can be submitted via the Community and Recreation Hub naming boxes located at the Civic Centre, Library and Main Corner Complex as well on the Have Your Say website and I encourage everyone to get their thinking caps on and get involved so we have as many creative ideas as possible to shortlist."

Interested persons can now subscribe to a newsletter to receive regular updates as the project continues to progress.

The Community and Recreation Project has been made possible through the support of the Federal and State Government Regional Growth Funds.

CEO Andrew Meddle shares the latest news on the internal configuration and detailed design of the Community and Recreation Hub.

The City of Mount Gambier continues to refine the internal design features of the Community and Recreation Hub with architects CO-OP Studio and DesignInc. Detailed design options for the sports court flooring and aquatics facilities are currently being considered.

Community and Recreation Hub Community Reference Group (CRG) members met with Elected Members and Council Officers on Thursday 4 July 2019 for an update on the project. It follows pre-work conducted by a team of technical specialists on site at Olympic Park on Margaret Street.

“Feedback from the CRG, community members, Elected Members, field specialists and the technical team has contributed to the evolution of the internal design,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.

“So this is an opportune time to reconvene with the CRG to provide an update and seek their feedback on some of the options that have been presented to us by the architects to date.”

The pre-construction assessments on site enable Council, through the Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee, to consider a number of options regarding the design of the aquatics facilities and associated infrastructure.

“Constant changes in technology and innovation mean that new options are emerging all the time and new information provided by the technical team has resulted in discussions about the options available for the structure of the pools,” Mayor Martin said.

“There is a new type of construction that is now being used in many pool projects known as Myrtha stainless steel and the architects have evaluated this against a concrete option.”

Tender specifications will include options for both the Myrtha stainless steel and concrete pool structures in the interests of securing best value for money through both construction and whole of life costs.

Preferred flooring options for the court areas are being considered, with two options compliant with Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) standards.

“Both Neoshok and Haro brand flooring will be included in the tender process as we are confident that both options are suitable to meet required standards across multiple sports.”

The internal design of the facility will be modified to allow for the inclusion of two kitchens, one on each floor.

“We have received feedback from the community about the desire for highly functional kitchen spaces within the facility so this has enabled us to consider multiple options as we move forward with finalising the internal design and costings."

"Like any design process, when you have a concept that is well advanced but not all details are complete, you need to provide the architects with information about the preferred options to be tested via a tender process which will provide more precise costings and determine material availability."

“I look forward to the Regional Sport and Recreation Committee, the CRG, Elected Members and Council Officers working closely together to provide a facility that will benefit the whole community.”

The Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee has extended the opportunity for the community to suggest a new name for the complex.

“As works commence and the community can see things happening on site, it may generate additional name ideas for the new facility.”

Name ideas can be submitted to the Community and Recreation Hub naming boxes located at the Civic Centre, Library and Main Corner Complex as well as online.

Further information and updates on the project are available and interested persons can now subscribe to a newsletter via the Have Your Say site.

The Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee discussed extending the opportunity for the community to suggest names for the Community and Recreation Hub at a meeting last night.

In May, Council resolved to undertake a month long engagement program to invite the community to submit ideas for a name for the new facility with a view to shortlist up to five names to be put to a community vote.

Community consultation commenced on Wednesday 22 May 2019 and concluded Sunday 23 June 2019. Council received 74 name submissions that were considered by the sub-committee.

“Council is appreciative of all name submissions received during the consultation process and we thank all who participated at this stage. We want to assure the community that these ideas will be considered,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.

“From the ideas we received, it is clear that people want the name of the largest infrastructure project Council has ever undertaken to reflect a sense of pride of place. We saw multiple references to Mount Gambier, the Blue Lake and Olympic Park.”

The Mayor indicated that all submitted names will be retained and the community consultation process will be extended over the coming months to allow for additional name ideas to be lodged as the project unfolds.

“Council is now at the stage where we can begin to share updates on the detailed design of the project. This is important with regard to a potential name as we want to ensure that the community can really envisage what the hub will be and its importance within the community.”

"Once the building starts to take shape, people may feel more connected with the project and have additional names that they may like to share."

“Therefore, we continue to invite people to put their thinking caps on and keep their ideas flowing for a name as we move forward with the project over the coming months.”

Name ideas can be submitted to the Community and Recreation Hub naming boxes located at the Civic Centre, Library and Main Corner Complex as well as online.

The committee indicated that it is seeking a name that reflects the facility as a whole.

“We’d like a name that represents the entire multi-purpose community space including facilities and activities for all ages and abilities, cultural and recreational activities, not just based on aquatics, or sport.”

In the meantime, Council has been working with architects CO-OP Studio and DesignInc on the detailed design features within the Community and Recreation Hub.

“We will be sharing what we can with the community as soon as we can, but have to be careful not to prejudice any future procurement work.”

“The Community Reference Group will be part of the team providing advice to Council as we progress the detailed design and costings,” Mayor Martin said.

The 2019/2020 Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre swimming season will end one month earlier than usual to enable development work associated with the Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub and the 50 metre outdoor pool refurbishment to proceed. The Aquatic Centre located on Margaret Street will close on 29 February 2020 and the Olympic swimming pool will remain closed for the 2020/2021 season until the hub project is completed in late 2021.

The seasonal public swimming pool precinct is owned by City of Mount Gambier and managed by Innovative Leisure Management Director Peter Collins. The centre usually opens during the warmer months from October through until April each year.

“Council understands that the early closure of the Aquatic Centre in 2020 and no access to the pool for the 2020/2021 season will be an inconvenience to the community,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.

“However, this is a necessary transition period for development work to occur on site as Council must build and deliver the hub, the largest infrastructure project it has ever undertaken, by the end of 2021.”

“The new facility will be worth the wait and will provide indoor climate controlled aquatics facilities accessible to the public all year round. It will include a learn to swim pool, children’s water splash/play area, a 25 metre pool and a warm water pool, in addition to the existing outdoor 50 metre pool.”

The Aquatic Centre is currently used by individuals, children, families, schools and the Department for Education and Childhood Development (DECD) for swimming lessons, carnivals, early lap swimming, recreation, classes and competitive training sessions.

Council is working with Innovative Leisure Management to manage the shortened upcoming season to create as little disruption as possible.

Read full article

Council is seeking suggestions from the community for a new name for the $39.1 million Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub. Up to five names will be shortlisted by Council and put to a community vote.

The Community and Recreation Hub is being developed as a multi-purpose community space with facilities and activities for all ages and abilities including children, families, youth, community groups, cultural activities, recreational and organised sports and those with special needs. It will be located at Olympic Park on Margaret Street Mount Gambier.

“Now that Federal and State capital funding for the project has been secured and we’ve turned the first sod on site, it is time to consider a new name for the facility that the community can really connect with,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.

“The Community and Recreation Hub will be the most significant recreational facility in our region with state-of-the-art aquatic, fitness, sports, cultural, youth, café and crèche facilities and it needs a name to reflect these attributes.”

To be considered, name suggestions must meet the following selection criteria:

• Communicate something meaningful,
• Distinctive, easy to remember, say and spell,
• Future oriented e.g. positioned for growth, change and success,
• Representative of the community and broader region,
• Reflective of the ancient or modern history of the site or region,
• The name does not represent an individual community member,
• The name is visual e.g. will lend itself to graphic presentation in a logo, in text and in brand architecture.

Mayor Martin encouraged the community to be creative when considering a potential name for the facility.

"Perhaps people will consider suggesting a name that represents a part of our region or history, a clever acronym, or something else that will appropriately reflect the use of the community facility we will use for the next 50 years or so."

“It is important that the facility has a name and brand that reflects the aspirations of the community for the facility to be a place that people want to visit, experience and return to,” Regional Sport and Recreation Committee Presiding Member Ben Hood said.

Ideas and contributions can be submitted in the Community and Recreation Hub naming boxes located at the Civic Centre, Library and Main Corner Complex as well as online from today, Wednesday 22 May 2019 until Sunday 23 June 2019.

All community feedback received will be assessed and a report identifying the key themes will be presented to the Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee for consideration.

“Up to five appropriate name submissions will be selected to progress to a community vote to decide on the winner,” Cr Hood said.

Once the name of the facility has been endorsed, the process of developing the brand will begin.

“The name will guide the brand and style guide. This will include a logo, uniforms, signage, promotional art work, digital artwork etc. to enable the brand to be implemented during each stage of development as required.”

Meanwhile, Community Reference Group (CRG) concepts for a 'Donor Recognition Project' and a 'Sensory Garden' that seek to include the community and provide a sense of involvement and ownership in relation to the facility were endorsed by Council at its meeting on Tuesday 21 May 2019.

Read full article

The first sod was turned at the Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre this afternoon to mark the official commencement of the $39.1 million Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub project.

It follows a $15 million capital Australian Government funding agreement for the project under the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) formalised on 1 April 2019 and $10 million from the State Government RGF confirmed on 18 April 2019.

"This ground-breaking event is a historic occasion for Mount Gambier," City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.

“It recognises the hard work and support shown by many stakeholders to get to this point including the present and former Council, staff, the Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin and the Community Reference Group (CRG).”

The Australian Government funding was conditional on majority community support for the project, as indicated by the elector survey undertaken in late 2018 which returned an overwhelming 71.6 per cent ‘yes’ response to move ahead with the project from a total of 8,722 survey returns.

“The work continues from here behind the scenes to deliver the largest infrastructure project Council has ever undertaken to our community by the end of 2021,” Mayor Martin said.

In consultation with Council, Architects DesignInc and Co-Op Studio have provided a preliminary project plan outlining timelines for the next stage of the project.

“Council is working with the design team to establish the draft implementation plan as a work in progress which will be further refined as we move forward.”

“You won’t physically see works happening on site for a few months, but there is a lot going on in the background including development approvals, the commencement of soil and water testing and the timber feasibility study.”

Read full article

City of Mount Gambier welcomes Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin’s announcement that $15 million in Federal grant funding for the Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub project under the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) has been approved. Council is in the process of finalising the funding agreement with the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin expressed her delight that the final hurdle to secure Federal funds for the $39.1 million proposal has almost been cleared.

“Council is absolutely thrilled to hear from Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin that the Federal Government will support the Community and Recreation Hub project with $15 million in grant funding,” Mayor Martin said.

“This is the largest grant the local community has ever received and Council would like to acknowledge the work of Mr Pasin for his assistance in securing the funds.”

The Federal funding was conditional on majority community support for the project, as indicated by the elector survey undertaken in late 2018 which returned an overwhelming 71.6 per cent ‘yes’ response from a total of 8,722 survey returns.

The ‘yes’ vote also prompted the State Government to pledge $10 million from the State Regional Growth Fund in January this year to support upfront capital costs for the project.

"Given the amount of work required to ensure Council’s largest infrastructure project can move forward in such a short space of time, the present and former Council, staff and the Community Reference Group have worked hard to do the background work to prepare for the project so that it is ‘shovel ready’," Mayor Martin said.

Council endorsed spending of up to $66,000 for an early works package for the Community and Recreation Hub at its meeting on Tuesday 19 March 2019.

“This will include a feasibility review into the use of timber as a feature and as part of the structure. We’re proud of the local timber industry and feel it’s important to promote and use timber in innovative ways within the hub where possible,” Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee Presiding Member Cr Ben Hood said.