Plans for the City of Gosnells’ proposed SPLASH aquatic centre have been revised after council backed a staged approach to the project in response to rising construction costs and funding challenges.
The original $132 million proposal will instead be redesigned as a project with a maximum budget of $80 million.
The first stage is expected to focus on indoor aquatic facilities, while allowing space for future expansion if additional funding becomes available.
The revised concept is also expected to remove the outdoor pool from the initial stage and relocate the basketball component.
The decision follows the City’s inability to secure the level of State and Federal government funding needed to deliver the original proposal.
Deputy Mayor Serena Williamson said the original design was intended to deliver the entire project at once to achieve savings through economies of scale.
“As the City did not receive the scale of funding from Federal and State Governments that was required for this approach, the Council has now considered a number of alternative options to be in a financial position to deliver the much-needed aquatic facility for our community,” she said.
Under the revised plan, the first stage would include indoor pools for swimming lessons, lap swimming, leisure activities and warm water rehabilitation. The proposal also includes commercial opportunities for allied health services to complement the aquatic use.
Cr Williamson said the aim was to provide an indoor facility that complemented Leisure World by offering deeper lane pools and greater availability for the City’s growing population.
Council has supported the commissioning of revised concept plans and a detailed feasibility study for the staged approach, with the first stage maximising indoor space while retaining room for future outdoor expansion. The concept plan and feasibility study are expected to be prepared by March 2027.
Council also resolved to continue seeking $15 million from the State Government and $15 million from the Federal Government. It has asked the chief executive officer to develop an advocacy strategy to support the funding request.
Mayor Terresa Lynes described the decision as “a very difficult, but necessary decision” after many workshops, site visits and discussions, saying the original concept was no longer financially achievable.
She said Leisure World was already operating at capacity and that doing nothing was not a long-term option as the City’s population continued to grow.
Cr Williamson said securing funding from both levels of government remained critical.
“Without this funding the City would not be in a financial position to deliver stage one of SPLASH, which would be very disappointing for our community, as we understand how vital this facility is,” she said.
Once the revised concept plans and feasibility study are completed, the community will have the opportunity to review the proposal and provide feedback before any final decisions are made.
