THE council wants people to come up with ideas about how the Cleveland Aquatic Centre can be upgraded.
The centre, where thousands of Redland kids have learnt to swim, trained and competed, was built almost 40 years ago, and is due to be refurbished.
Mayor Karen Williams said opinions were sought about the possibility of creating an integrated aquatic and emergency precinct, including the option of a public/private partnership to redevelop the site.
She said it was hoped to build world-class community facilities while mitigating ongoing costs to ratepayers.
“There is enormous potential to create a state-of-the-art facility that incorporates recreational use, wellbeing and warm water therapy areas as well as event and training areas for swimmers and emergency services personnel,’’ she said.
“As part of the proposal we are looking to have the state-owned Cleveland Aquatic Centre and adjoining State Emergency Services land transferred to council so the aquatic centre can be developed into a new community facility.’’
Cr Williams said the land would remain as community purpose, with public access guaranteed.
“At the moment it is only a proposal and subject to community feedback, necessary approvals and funding opportunities and partnerships but it is important that people take the opportunity to be involved in this early-stage planning,” she said.
“Pending future approvals, council has committed $21 million based on the current project scope, with our proposed timeline seeing new facilities open in 2020.”
Cr Peter Mitchell said the proposal took into account the various Redlands user groups.
“We want to ensure this space remains a multi-functional recreational precinct, catering for all users from young families and the elderly to elite sporting events,’’ he said.
“Our current proposal includes facilities such new pools, a new grandstand, café and kitchen, gym and amenities, as well as improved parking and site access.
“We’ve put some possibilities on paper, and we’d love to hear residents’ thoughts on them and any other ideas they may have.”
Community feedback on the proposal is invited until April 19, with a further round of consultation when development plans are drawn up.
To see the details on the project and have a say, residents can visit council’s Your Say Redlands website at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au
