Published on Thursday, 29 June 2023 at 1:17:29 PM
Gratwick Aquatic Centre will remain open while critical maintenance work is completed at South Hedland Aquatic Centre.
The Town of Port Hedland in April started work on both the 25m leisure and 50m pools at SHAC, including replacing vinyl liner and structural tile repairs. This work was expected to take two months.
During this work, more extensive and significant leaks were detected in both pools which have delayed the reopening of SHAC.
Mayor Peter Carter said significant investment was now needed to ensure SHAC’s ongoing viability until a new aquatic centre was built as part of the Hedland Sports and Arts Precinct.
“The Hedland Sports and Arts Precinct will leave a legacy for South Hedland and the new aquatic centre is a showpiece of the $311 million project,” he said.
“It is a difficult balancing act for council to ensure the community has safe and reliable aquatic facilities, while considering investing heavily in an ageing asset.
“South Hedland Aquatic Centre has served the community well for 44 years but it is now at the end of its life, which is why we are committed to a new centre as part of the Sports and Arts Precinct.”
Unfortunately, the delayed reopening of SHAC has led to Term 3 of Swim School being cancelled.
“It is very disappointing we have had to cancel Term 3 of Swim School, but the leaks need to be rectified before the facilities can reopen to the public,” Mayor Carter said.
Gratwick Aquatic Centre will be open from 5:00am-7:00pm Monday-Thursday, 5:00am-6:00pm Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm Saturday and 10:00am-6:00pm Sunday.
Media Enquiries
Town of Port Hedland, Public Relations Team
Email: media@porthedland.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 9111 5000
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