Construction of the $11.375 million Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project is now officially underway, with a sod turning ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon to mark the occasion.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Gunnedah Memorial Pool Working Group Chair Councillor Owen Hasler, Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and Hines Constructions Director David Hines turned the first sod on site, marking the start of the 12-month project.

“This week marks a significant occasion for the Gunnedah Shire, with the commencement of physical work on the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We look forward to working with Hines Constructions on the redevelopment of this vital piece of community infrastructure. The finalisation of the project design has been challenging for Council to ensure that this multi-million dollar project provides the best value for money for our community and the generations that will have use of this facility for the next 60 years.

“Financially, this is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Council and once completed the quality of the complex and the benefit to the community will be worth the wait.”

The project will include a new 8-lane, 50 metre pool; kids wet play area; pavilion, new filtration and sanitization systems; upgraded heated pool amenities; and improved disability access across the complex.

Demolition works on the 50 metre outdoor pool is first on the construction program and will commence at the end of this week, with excavation works to follow in early December 2017 and construction from early January 2018.

“The renewal of this complex is a major initiative of Council to ensure that high quality aquatic facilities are maintained for the community,” Councillor Owen Hasler said.

“This facility has always been a place of leisure, fun and enjoyment, a legacy that those that served during World War II fought to maintain after it was constructed in the 1950s as a memorial.

“I commend members of the Working Group for their commitment and contribution to the development of this project.”

Photo Caption: David Hines, of Hines Constructions, Councillor Owen Hasler, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Gae Swain turn the first sod on the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.