The Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre is one step closer to becoming a reality, with Liverpool City Council securing Development Application approval following an extensive 11-month assessment process.
The approval is a major milestone for the much-anticipated community facility, with Council’s project team now working through the final stages of assessing the work completed to date before taking the construction tender to market.
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the DA approval was a significant achievement and recognised the work of Council’s project team in getting the project through a complex planning process.
“Carnes Hill is one step closer to getting the aquatic and recreation centre our growing community deserves,” Mayor Mannoun said.
“Our project team has worked incredibly hard over the past 11 months, responding to extensive requests for information, preparing detailed technical reports and navigating three Design Excellence Panel reviews. Now we have the DA approval, we can focus on resolving the remaining design and procurement issues and getting this project to the construction stage.”
The project has faced an unexpected setback following the liquidation of Brewster Hjorth Architects, a NSW Government recommended supplier whose collapse has affected organisations across the industry. Council was advised just over a month ago that the firm would cease operations within days.
Mayor Mannoun said Council had been blindsided by the decision and was now carefully assessing the work completed by the firm and any gaps that need to be addressed.
“We are taking the time to properly understand what has been completed and what still needs to be done before we go to market,” Mayor Mannoun said.
“It is too early to put a dollar figure or timeframe on the impact of this issue, but Council is working through it as quickly and responsibly as possible.”
The current project will deliver the aquatic and recreation centre, with the 50-metre pool able to be delivered at a later stage subject to additional funding.
“This is a major community project and we want to get it right,” Mayor Mannoun said.
“Getting the DA approved is a significant step forward. We will continue doing the work behind the scenes to make sure the project is ready to go to market and ultimately deliver a great facility for the Carnes Hill community and the wider Liverpool area.”
Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said: “This is a major step forward and a big win for the community, who have waited a long time to see this project progress.
“The NSW Government has committed $53.4 million towards delivering this important facility.
“With Council securing DA approval, this is a significant step closer to getting construction underway.
“I look forward to seeing the remaining issues resolved and work begin as soon as possible.”
