Hoppers Crossing pool grows if the council’s funding flows

WYNDHAM Council has approved an expanded redevelopment of a Hoppers Crossing aquatic centre, but warns the project hinges on securing additional government funding.

The $61million project would expand the Wyndham Events and Leisure Centre on Derrimut Road and boost capacity in the library, events centre and pool.

Truganina Ward’s Cr Bob Fairclough said redevelopment plans were 40per cent complete.

“Additional library floor space, improved audio visual equipment for the events centre, and an expansion of the gym floor space will ensure a much better facility when works are completed,” he said.

The council has secured $2.6million from the state government’s Better Pools Program.

But Cr Fairclough said construction was largely dependant on more money coming from funding applications the council had lodged.

“Once Wyndham City has been able to confirm these applications have been granted, we can tender works and begin informing user groups, adjoining property owners and the public,” Cr Fairclough said.

“We will begin, in the coming months, to discuss timelines and the staging for the project, which will include relocation of some existing leisure centre facilities.”

Hoppers Crossing Swimming Club’s Ken Warren said expanding the eight-lane pool would help meet demand.

The club has 80 members, aged 6-22, training mornings and nights, with competitions on weekends.

“The pool is currently stretched to its limit- we want to grow more, but there just isn’t enough lane availability,” Mr Warren said.

The council expects the aquatic centre’s final design will be complete next month, and planning permits also lodged.

Funding announcements are expected mid-year, when the first stage of the project will be put out to tender.