Council dives into plans for swim centre expansion

Learn to Swim Instructor Sophie DeAngelis with Darcy Kingdon

Burgeoning growth in Lake Macquarie’s west has prompted plans for a new learn to swim pool at West Wallsend Swim Centre.

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Funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the $1.8 million project includes design and construction of a new indoor pool and power upgrades at the Edden Street site.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Leisure Services Brendan Callander said rapid residential growth in and around West Wallsend and Cameron Park meant the centre’s existing 25m pool was in greater demand than ever before.

“It’s a really popular pool for aqua fitness, lap swimming and learn to swim classes, particularly because it’s indoors and can be used year-round,” he said.

“Having a separate learn to swim pool, similar to what we recently built at Charlestown Swim Centre, will provide a quieter and more suitable space for our youngest swimmers to build confidence in the water.”

Charlestown’s learn to swim pool comprises a 16m x 8m heated pool.

Mr Callander said the West Wallsend expansion would provide something similar, although detailed designs were yet to be finalised.

“We’re currently looking at site layout and how best to use the space,” he said.

“We’ll aim to go out for tender later this year, with construction to take place in early to mid-2025.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said learning to swim was a core skill for young people in Australia.

“We are so fortunate to live in a place with stunning beaches and a beautiful lake on our doorstep,” she said.

“Learning to swim is the key to fully enjoying these gems, and the provision of more facilities to meet that end can only be a good thing.”

Holmesville mum Stephanie Kingdon, whose two children Darcy, 2, and Charlotte, 5, attend learn to swim classes at West Wallsend, welcomed the news.

“It will give everyone a lot more space and it will be much better having a pool just for learn to swim,” she said.

“Sometimes there are a few distractions for the kids at the moment, and with aqua aerobics classes at the same time it can be tricky to hear what the instructor is saying.”

Mr Callander said every effort would be made to keep the existing pool open during construction.

“There may be some short-term closures for specific activities, but these would be communicated to the public well in advance,” he said.

Council has also been awarded more than $1 million in funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program for road rehabilitation and safety improvements on Yambo Street and Bridge Street in Morisset.

That project includes repaving 360m of Bridge Street, installing a roundabout, raised pedestrian crossings, new kerbs, street lighting and new footpaths at the intersection of Bridge Street and Newcastle Street, and repaving 80m of Yambo Street.

Council and the Australian Government’s Roads To Recovery program are also contributing to the Morisset works.

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said it was important in growth areas to have facilities and infrastructure fit for purpose.

“The community had been calling for this facility to be upgraded and I am proud to be a part of a government that delivers for the Hunter,” he said.

“I’m also delighted that funding has been delivered for road rehabilitation and safety improvements in Morisset.”

“I know just how important our local roads are and I know how important it is that people are safe on our local roads.”

Go to swim.lakemac.com.au for more information about the city’s swim centres, and lakemac.com.au to find out about upcoming projects.