AlburyCity Council says community feedback will play a pivotal role in the “essential” redevelopment of the Lavington Swim Centre.
On Monday night, Councillors endorsed a decision to place four concept designs for the ageing facility on public exhibition for 28 days.
The local community is being encouraged to review the designs in detail on council’s Engaging Albury website and have their say.
Mayor, Kevin Mack said the redeveloped facility must address the need for modern, accessible and multi-functional aquatic facilities, which the community can access year-round.
“The Lavington Swim Centre has been a local favourite since1967, but its pools have aged and must be replaced to ensure our community can continue to enjoy them for years to come,” he said.
“AlburyCity undertook community consultation in 2024, when community members were invited to tell us how they utilise the swim centre and what they’d like to see in a revamped facility. This input has influenced these concept designs, developed by Architectural and Design practice Canvas Projects.”
The four concept masterplan designs range from $31.4 million – $50.8 million depending on the scope of works. The Stage 1 base design starts at $31.4 million and includes a six-lane 50m main pool, a second 25m utility pool, a new pool building with administration, kiosk, change rooms and amenities, and a multi-purpose social room, replacing the existing Lavington Swim Centre facilities.
The building would also include a ‘Changing Place’, a specialised type of public bathroom designed for people with disability who require extra space and equipment to manage their personal care needs. Disability access would also be improved and a toddler pool and splash pad, encouraging interactive waterplay, created, the Council outlined in a statement.
The existing swim centre building would be largely retained, with minor modification to support its use as a staging area for carnivals, events and equipment storage.
The Stage 1 concept also includes a series of shaded arbour structures to surround the perimeter of the centre and run alongside the pools, complementing the existing mature tree canopies, with shaded seating, BBQ and picnic tables.
“The concept designs offer opportunities for fitness, organised sport, recreation, remedial use and disability access, catering for a wide range of users in our community,” said Mayor Mack.
“We want to hear from our community to make sure we’ve heard you correctly and the new designs meet your needs.”
