Marion City Council is a key partner in the development of what promises to be one of Australia’s most successful aquatic centres. Council has contributed $5 million and the land towards the newly opened State Aquatic Centre in South Australia.
The Federal and State Government contributed the balance of funds for the $100 million plus centre, which also features a GP plus Health Care Centre.
Designed by architects Peddle Thorp, the new State Aquatic Centre comprises two 50 metre pools, one for lap swimming and the second for diving and water polo. Featuring innovative use of light, the new centre will host training areas for the state polo team, diving and swimming contests.
Marion City Council Chief Executive Officer Mark Searle said the centre was set to be the venue for the Australian Age Swimming Championships.
“However, the centre is not just for the elite athletes, it is also for the entire Marion community to be used all year around,” he said. “It features fantastic water slides that will entertain young people for hours.”
Built in a high profile location next to a major shopping complex, Mark Searle said it would help make the area a key hub.
South Australian Premier Mike Rann has already described it as the best aquatic centre in the country. The FINA compliant centre was recently opened by South Australian Infrastructure Minister Patrick Conlon, who described it as ‘a world class facility’ as well as being ‘a stunning architectural statement for Adelaide.’
Peddle Thorp design director Peter Brook said the centre had met all the strict requirements and was built on a tight budget.
“This has provided a series of design and building challenges which we have now met,” Peter Brook said.”It is now a building that can be used by both elite sports teams and the wider community. It was most impressive because of its use of light and its bright character.”
