Solid interest from architects in aquatic and arts centre

Eurobodalla Council is reporting solid interest from architects in designing the proposed Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre at Mackay Park in Batemans Bay.

In February and March, Council advertised for Expressions of Interest to find an architect to design the centre. EOIs closed on Monday 12 March, with submissions received from firms across Australia and New Zealand.

The EOIs are based on a set of design principles refined by the Mackay Park Sunset Committee, which is made up of both community and Council representatives.

The EOIs will now be reviewed by a panel with independent experts, and selected architects will soon be invited to submit tenders for the project.

Council is expecting to hear whether funding applications to the NSW and federal governments to build the facility have been successful by the middle of the year.

The EOI and tender process is part of Council’s work to make sure that once funding is received, work can begin as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the sunset committee has been providing input to a plan to engage the wider community on the project.

Councillors and Council staff have also been busy talking with operators of other aquatic and arts facilities, seeking their advice to make the most of this rare opportunity to add a vital facility to the town.