NEW HORNSBY AQUATIC CENTRE GETS THE GO AHEAD 

Hornsby Shire is a big step closer to its new aquatic centre after the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) approved the final design.
 
The last sticking point – vehicle access to the pool – has now been settled, with the panel unanimously deciding that two-way access via Coronation Street is the best option.
 
That was chosen from 13 options put forward by Council, several of which were proposed by community members.

This is great news for the Hornsby Shire community. We are committed to delivering this state of the art aquatic centre for the people of this shire,” he said, adding that Council was careful to consult with all segments of the community.

There were two public community meetings back in March and April last year, two full-day deliberative forums, an online forum and a public exhibition, which clearly demonstrated strong community support for the centre.

Among those who spoke in favour of the aquatic centre was 27-year-old Adrian Stark, who was delighted with the decision by the JRPP.

“We’re having our first child in July and I want them to have somewhere they can learn to swim. I want my children to have a recreational swimming option,"Mr Stark said.

The key features of the centre include:

-          A heated, eight-lane 50-metre outdoor pool suitable for lap swimming and water polo

-          A heated, 10-metre by 25-metre indoor pool for learn-to-swim activities

-          A heated leisure pool with ramp entry leading to a walking zone

-          Parking for more than 100 vehicles

-          Outdoor seating for 500 spectators with provision for temporary seating for a further 300 spectators

-          A ground-floor multi-purpose room suitable for crèche and other purposes

-          Changing and showering facilities with separate spaces for families and groups

-          A kiosk accessible from inside the centre and from Hornsby Park

-          A meeting room for use by the Country Women’s Association

-          A first-floor multi-purpose room for dry recreation such as yoga and pilates, as well as club activities

-          Office space for the operation and administration of Council’s aquatic centres

-          Two lifts to provide access to all levels of the complex for people with a disability

Council will shortly call for fee proposals to construct the facility.