City of Darwin’s new $25 million Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre has been approved, with construction work expected to begin in late 2022.
City of Darwin Lord Mayor, Konstantine Vatskalis, said construction of the new centre would be one of the most significant construction projects in the Darwin municipality, and will support the local economy and jobs.
“With three pools – including a resort-style lagoon pool – the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre will be a further boost to the lifestyle of northern suburbs residents,” Mayor Vatskalis said.
“What we are planning here is more than a pool – it’s a leisure experience where families can escape the heat and comfortably enjoy time together in Darwin’s beautiful tropical outdoors.”
Features of the new facility will include:
- Eight lane, 50m lap pool
- 25m learn-to-swim pool
- Resort-style lagoon pool
- Café and BBQ facilities
- Wet and dry play areas
- Basketball half-court
- Swimming club rooms
Mayor Vatskalis said the Council would also explore opportunities for the possible establishment of private childcare and allied health services at the new aquatic centre.
Construction was given the go ahead to proceed after the City of Darwin was granted the necessary borrowing approval under the Local Government Act.
The City of Darwin also received a $7.5 million commitment from the Federal Government to go towards the construction of the facility.
“It is pleasing to see Labor’s Member for Solomon Luke Gosling and his colleague Senator Malarndirri McCarthy are behind the new Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre,” Mayor Vatskalis said.
“They endorsed the facility back in February 2022 in the lead-up to the federal election, and their support is greatly appreciated by the City of Darwin.
“We have also applied for $7.5 million in funding under the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.”
Mr Vatskalis said the existing 40-plus year old Casuarina pool was nearing the end of its useful life and had served the community well, but required significant maintenance.
Territory company Halikos Construction will be responsible for delivering the Casuarina Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre project.
Final designs for the new facility are expected to be completed in late 2022.
Construction is expected to commence in late 2022 and be completed by late 2024.
