AFTER months of anticipation, the new multi-million dollar Inverell Aquatic Centre will open its doors to the public this week.
Hines Construction handed over the facility to Council last Friday after reaching practical completion, with plans to open the facility to the public on Thursday, February 27.
The facility was officially granted World Aquatics Accreditation last week, making it the only Aquatic Centre in the north of the state to hold this title.
Mayor of Inverell Shire Council, Cr Kate Dight said the project stands as the most significant infrastructure development, in dollar terms, ever undertaken by Inverell Shire Council.
“Years of planning and community consultation were dedicated to designing a facility that will serve the region’s needs for generations,” Cr Dight said.
“Council takes great pride in seeing the Inverell Aquatic Centre come to life, close to forecast time and well within funding allocation.”
Inverell Aquatic Centre features an eight-lane, indoor-outdoor pool (50m in summer and 25m heated in winter), 20m warm-water program pool with movable floor for all abilities access, splashpad, toddlers’ pool, café, large multi-purpose room, training rooms and a comprehensive range of aquatic and exercise classes.
Aquatic Centre managers, Belgravia Leisure, are onsite conducting final preparations prior to opening on Thursday.
Belgravia Leisure general manager of operations, Katherine Forman, said Belgravia Leisure is proud to partner with Inverell Shire Council.
“This multi-purpose facility is designed to be a community space, with facilities and activities welcoming all ages and abilities, including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports, and those with special needs,” Ms Forman said.
“This development will provide substantial year-round indoor facilities, addressing many community needs.
“We are looking forward to working with Council in connecting the community to leisure,” she said.
Venue manager, Victoria Plain, is excited to introduce the community to the GOswim water safety and swimming lesson program.
“I can’t wait to see students swimming at Inverell Aquatic Centre,” Ms Plain said.
“We haven’t had a pool in so long, I know our facilities will be integral to teaching students lifelong swimming and water safety skills.”
While the facility will open Thursday, the central splashpad feature will be installed in the coming weeks.
An official opening event for the facility will be conducted once the Splashpad feature is installed. State and Federal Ministers will be invited to attend the opening, with a suitable date to be announced shortly.
In celebration of the soft opening, Council and Belgravia Leisure will offer free entry between 12-noon and 5pm every Saturday and Sunday until Easter.
Capacity limits will apply and residents are urged to monitor the Inverell Aquatic Centre Facebook page for availability before heading down to the venue.
Belgravia Leisure will also conduct tours of the facility.
Tours can be booked via the Active World app, or in person at Inverell Aquatic Centre Reception
after opening day.
Inverell Aquatic Centre will swing its doors open to the community between 6am and 7pm Thursday.
