Safety and Speed Paramount for Leeming Recreation Centre Redevelopment

Following consultation with the project architects, the City of Melville has decided that full closure is the best option to give builders full access to the site allowing them to complete the work sooner and make sure patrons and employees are not put at risk.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the City had considered closing just sections of the centre, however, the benefits of full closure outweighed the short-term suspension of recreation services at Leeming. “By closing the centre entirely and allowing building contractors full access, the architects have indicated there would be a reduced construction time of three to four months,” he said. “Additionally, the complexity of the redevelopment and the open-plan nature of the facility would create a relatively high risk environment for patrons and staff, including dust and noise issues. The City believes safety is paramount when proceeding with this redevelopment.”

Leeming Recreation Centre is likely to be closed from mid-July (after the end of Term 2) so the City can remove equipment and arrange storage in preparation for construction works to begin in September. The scheduled completion date for the redevelopment is July 2009. During the construction, Leeming Senior High School will still have access to the performing arts theatre, staff office and reserve change rooms, which have external access and can be closed off from the rest of the centre.

Health and Lifestyle Services Manager Todd Cahoon said centre users, staff and the wider community were being fully informed of the closure. “The majority of the services and programs at Leeming will be able to be accommodated at Melville Aquatic Fitness Centre and Melville Recreation Centre,” he said. “It is also anticipated most, if not all, staff will be relocated to the other two centres during the closure,” he said.

Mr Cahoon said it was inevitable that some classes and groups would have to be postponed during the construction phase. “We apologise for any inconvenience the redevelopment may cause but are sure the community understands the need for safety and speed during the construction phase,” he said. “Additionally, any staff who cannot be accommodated at our other centres will be able to return to their old positions once Leeming Recreation Centre re-opens.”

Mayor Aubrey said the redevelopment, which was approved following extensive community consultation and discussion, would turn the centre into a modern facility that meets community and stakeholder expectations while making it more economically viable. “It is estimated that the redevelopment will increase patronage to the centre by 63,000 people per year and reduce the financial deficit,” he said.

The project includes redeveloping the aquatic facility to a 25m warm water program pool to cater for swimming lessons and hydrotherapy as well as constructing a children’s interactive play area. The gymnasium and circuit room will be improved and relocated downstairs while an extended group fitness area will be moved to the former gym area on the mezzanine floor. There will also be a general refurbishment of facilities, including a substantial upgrade to the change rooms.

The City of Melville will keep the community, centre users and stakeholders informed of developments during the construction phase through displays, newsletters and the media.