A major upgrade is continuing at a popular Sunshine Coast aquatic centre.
With a new kiosk, entry building, amenities and additional car parking on the way, the Kawana Aquatic Centre is set to delight more than 200,000 visitors each year.
The new facilities will be part of Sunshine Coast Council's $14 million, multi-year upgrade of the centre.
Stage One of the aquatic centre upgrade was completed in April this year and included a new 20-metre, five-lane indoor heated pool, along with new structures, new plant and equipment.
Stage Two, now underway, will deliver a new entry building, amenities, kiosk and additional car parking, supplemented by a $938,000 contribution from the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Dynamic sporting heart
Sunshine Coast Council Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said the Kawana Aquatic Centre was a popular and highly valued swimming facility for the region, supporting the Kawana Sports Precinct.
"These elite-standard facilities, including the nearby Sunshine Coast Stadium and Lake Kawana, host many local, national and international sporting events, training camps and competitions each year," Cr Burns said.
"Sport and recreation facilities play such an important role in our local community.
"That's why we're investing in this dynamic sporting heart and I'm excited to see the aquatic centre enhanced and improved for our community to enjoy.
"It's another way we're connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.
"I understand there's a period of inconvenience with temporary amenities and carparking during construction.
"Please drive slowly and watch out for pedestrians heading to the entrance, especially children going to swimming lessons.
"To all those who regularly use the Kawana Aquatic Centre for leisure, fitness and swimming lessons, thank you for your patience while we work to deliver an even better facility for you."
Stage Two upgrade works are anticipated to be completed in late 2025, weather permitting.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace applauded the focus on accessibility.
"The Kawana Aquatic Centre is a vital resource for our community, offering swimming lessons, fitness programs and leisure activities for all ages and abilities," Mr Wallace said.
"Stage Two upgrades will ensure everyone can continue to enjoy these facilities, with improved amenities and additional car parking making the centre more accessible for all."
Mr Wallace highlighted the collaborative effort.
"Stage Two of the Kawana Aquatic Centre upgrade is underway, thanks to a $14 million multi-year commitment by Sunshine Coast Council and a $938,000 contribution from the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program."
Background
The hugely popular Council-owned aquatic centre has three heated swimming pools all built to cater for lessons, fitness or leisure. It offers a range of facilities and programs for all ages and abilities.
It features a 50-metre outdoor pool, 25-metre pool which can cater for diving and water polo, and a new dedicated five-lane 20-metre indoor heated learn-to-swim facility with all-abilities access ramp.
The Kawana Aquatic Centre is one of nine Council-owned aquatic centres across our region. The other aquatic centres are located at Beerwah, Caloundra, Buderim, Cotton Tree, Coolum, Palmwoods, Nambour, and Eumundi.
All facilities are operated by Council contract partners who provide the day-to-day site operation, programming and access for the community.
