The upgrade of the Casino Memorial Swimming Pool is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to provide high-quality recreational facilities to the community of Richmond Valley.
The existing pool was originally built in 1952 and was extensively refurbished in 1983.
The existing pool facility is pictured below:
Council is now moving ahead with detailed plans for a full upgrade of the facility to serve the needs of the Richmond Valley’s growing community into the future.
Council began working on a concept master plan three years ago, with the first draft put on public exhibition in late 2018, and subsequently refined following public input. The scope of the project has been expanded to deliver what will become a high quality year-round recreational facility for Casino and the Richmond Valley.
Key elements of the master plan are:
• Construction of a new eight-lane 50m pool, with new filtration system and heating.
• Construction of a 25m indoor heated pool to allow lap swimming; also all-age exercise and learn-to-swim classes, with retractable walls and doors for open air use during summer.
• Construction of a shaded water play space with sprays, fountains, and jets and a shallow splash area to 0.7m deep.
• Entrance upgrade and paved forecourt
• Upgraded gym and new swimming club house
• New large twin flume water slide
One key benefit of the new facility will be the replacement of the current 50m pool with a eight-lane heated pool, open for at least 10 months of the year. Pictured below is an eight-lane pool with shaded end areas at the recently upgraded Wellington Aquatic Leisure Centre. This facility was also designed by Council’s design contractor, FDG, and is a good representation of what is planned for Casino.
Another benefit of the new facility will be the addition of a 25m heated indoor pool, open 12 months of the year, similar to the indoor facility pictured below, located at the JM Robson Aquatic Centre in Lithgow.
In 2019 Council secured a $3.2 million grant from the Australian Government to undertake initial works, which will combine with $1.95 million from Council (total $5.15 million) to deliver the first stage of the project: the full upgrade of the main pool, including heating and filtration systems, plus the shaded water play space and splash pool.
It’s hoped construction of this stage will begin by the end of May.
Council is continuing to actively seek funding opportunities to complete the entire project.
Upgrade of Casino Memorial Swimming Pool – costs and funding
Estimated total cost of project: $14 million
Committed funding:
- $3.2 million – Australian Government
- $1.95 million Richmond Valley Council
Total funding committed to date: $5.15 million