Background

This has been a long journey for our community who have been asking for these facilities for years. Here's a summary of activities and milestones that have taken place so far.

2021 project updates

2016-2020 timeline

2020

  • December 2020: Council reopened expressions of interest for the delivery of large-scale quality art for the new centre.
  • September 2020:
    • Council called for expressions of interest from professional artists residing in NSW or the ACT, experienced in delivering large-scale, quality art for the new Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre.
    • Sod-turning ceremony marks the commencement of construction on the new Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre.
  • August 2020: Council awards construction contract to ADCO Constructions.
  • July 2020: Council endorses the selection of the preferred tenderer for construction works.
  • April 2020: Southern Regional Planning Panel approves Development Application.
  • March 2020: Council adopts a Fee for Service model to manage the operations of the new centre.
  • February 2020: Council approves the project to release the tender for construction works (subject to Development Application approval).

2019

  • December 2019: Expression of interest for construction work - shortlist approved.
  • October 2019:
    • Expression of interest for construction works released.
    • Development Application submitted.
  • August 2019: Councillors consider final concept design and vote to proceed to the Development Application stage.
  • May 2019: The architects appointed to design the centre have begun work on a final design after the community provided feedback on three concept layouts.
  • 30 April 2019: All of the survey results from the consultation undertaken in January/February 2019 were collated and a final report was presented Council.
  • 1 April 2019: Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis announced $25 million funding for the new centre from the Australian Government's Regional Growth Fund.
  • February 2019 to March 2019: Council enters into formal agreements to confirm grant funding [$26 million from the NSW Government ($18 million from the Regional Communities Development Fund and $8 million from the Regional Cultural Fund), and $25 million from the Commonwealth Government (Regional Growth Fund)].
  • January 2019 to February 2019: Council hosts drop-in kiosks and an online questionnaire to seek community feedback on three concept design options:

2018

  • December 2018: NBRS Architecture provides three design concepts with different layouts for Council and community feedback.
  • October 2018: The Federal Government assigns $25M to the Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre and invites Council to submit the full Business Case to the Regional Growth Fund.
  • September 2018:
    • Council appoints Sydney-based NBRS Architecture to design the new centre.
    • Seventh Sunset Committee meeting.
  • July 2018: Council leases the former Batemans Bay bowling club site to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for its use during construction of the new Batemans Bay bridge. The lease is for a three-year term with a one-year extension option.
  • 22 May 2018: Geotechnical surveys at Mackay Park begin.
  • 27 March 2018: Eurobodalla councillors reaffirm their commitment to the concept design of the new Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre at Mackay Park, Batemans Bay.
  • 26 March 2018: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport and Bega MP Andrew Constance announce $26 million towards the Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre at a community reception in Batemans Bay.
  • February/March 2018: Council advertises for Expressions of Interest from architects interested in designing the centre.
  • February 2018:
    • Council holds information kiosks in Batemans Bay to update the community.
    • Sixth Sunset Committee meeting.
  • January 2018: Council appoints specialist to prepare tender documents for design of Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre.

2017

  • December 2017:
    • Council is notified it was successful in reaching Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund.
    • Council submits grant application to Australian Government.
    • Fifth Sunset Committee meeting – discussed next steps for design of aquatic and arts facility.
    • Council resolves to extend the tenure of the Sunset Committee to 31 December 2018.
  • September 2017: Grant application submitted to NSW Government.
  • August 2017:
    • Council considers a report on the draft business case and concept plans options and resolved to proceed with option 1 for the purpose of seeking grant funding.
    • Fourth Sunset Committee meeting – draft business cases and concept plans for two options presented by Otium Planning Group.
  • June 2017: Council considers a report providing information on the interim short term use of the former Bowling Club building and site. No final decision made.
  • May 2017:
    • Council endorses a contract variation for Otium Planning Group to include a second concept plan option.
    • Third Sunset Committee meeting – preliminary draft concept plan presented by Otium Planning Group.
  • April 2017: Otium Planning group prepares preliminary draft concept plan.
  • March 2017: Second Sunset Committee meeting – preliminary analysis presented by Otium Planning Group.
  • January – February 2017: Otium Planning Group discussions with Sunset Committee members.
  • January 2017: Council engages Otium Planning Group to prepare concept plan and business case.

2016

  • December 2016: Council calls for quotations for preparation of concept plan and business case.
  • November 2016:
    • Council resolves to proceed with preparation of concept plan and business case for the precinct.
    • First Sunset Committee meeting.
  • October 2016: Sunset Committee appointed.
  • August 2016:
    • Council calls for submissions for the interim short term use of the building and site.
    • Council calls for expressions of interest to establish a Sunset Committee.
  • July 2016: Council hosted an open day for community groups to inspect the site.
  • May – June 2016: Initial community consultation to enable the community to share ideas on the future use of the site.
  • April 2016: Council purchases former Batemans Bay bowling club site.