Batemans Bay Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts & Leisure Centre
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Award-winning Bay Pavilions marks a new model for sustainable community facilities. NSW Public Works and partners delivered this project using an innovative design to reduce construction costs and drive visitor spend.
One of the largest of its kind in regional Australia, the $63.5 million Bay Pavilions project is a multi-purpose facility featuring:
- an indoor aquatic centre with a 25-metre, eight-lane pool with ramp access, a separate 10-metre warm water pool, and a freeform indoor leisure pool that includes learn-to-swim and toddler areas
- an arts and cultural centre with large auditorium with seating for 350 people, a gallery/exhibition space and a rehearsal/dance studio/music room
- shared facilities including a foyer, café and visitor information service.
- extensive landscape, road and civil works associated with the facility.
“This complex project is a model for how regional councils can co-locate modern, economically sustainable and integrated facilities to serve the needs of their communities well into the future,” said NSW Public Works Capital Projects Director Peter Hogan, who led the project team.
“It is an inclusive, accessible and diverse community precinct that has become a focal point for the region,” said Mr Hogan. “It provides a unique facility that supports the arts community, health and wellness, while serving as an important social hub.”
Key project facts
- The total budget for the construction was $69 million, which included $51 million in grants from the NSW and Australian governments.
- During the design phase, more than 300 community submissions were considered, and more than 20 community stakeholder groups were consulted directly.
- The facility had more than 1000 visitors on its first day of trade, and more than 100 000 visitors in its first six months of trade.
- Winner of the Regional NSW Project award at the 2022 Australian Institute of Project Management’s Achievement Awards (NSW Chapter) - 8 November 2022.
- Winner of the "Excellence in Construction Award" for Public Buildings $60 million and over, at the 2022 Master Builders Association of NSW's awards night - 12 November 2022.
- Winner of the Sustainable Architecture Award at the Australian Institute of Architects awards - 23 June.
Our role
NSW Public Works were engaged by Eurobodalla Shire Council to provide procurement and project management services for the first two stages of the project.
With a high level of community interest apparent throughout the project planning phases, a comprehensive community consultation program was implemented. As a result, more than 300 community submissions were received for consideration and more than 20 community and stakeholder groups were directly consulted to ensure the facility would meet the needs of the end user.
Despite the project being large, complex and impacted by COVID-19, NSW Public Works delivered the construction works on budget and on time. “We applied NSW Public Works’ rigorous project management framework to ensure we delivered the project on-time and budget,” said Mr Hogan. The framework is a complex and scalable methodology based on industry best practice, assuring clients of effective project delivery.
“This complex project is a model for how regional councils can co-locate modern, economically sustainable and integrated facilities to serve the needs of their communities well into the future,” said NSW Public Works Capital Projects Director Peter Hogan, who led the project team.
The strong focus on early engagement continued through the procurement phase. A risk and issues workshop with key stakeholders was held and proved critical to developing the procurement strategy, which included an early tender involvement process to introduce project objectives to tenderers while encouraging constructive feedback.
Project outcomes
The facility opened to the public on 4 June 2022 and welcomed more than 1000 visitors on its first day. Within 6 months of opening, Bay Pavilions had attracted more than 100,000 visitors.
Bay Pavilions Manager Chris Tague said the community is delighted with the new facility. “Everyone, and I mean absolutely everyone, was astounded at the quality of the build,” he said. “Everyone was amazed at the size of the interior space and didn’t realise there was so much hidden behind that external façade.”
Mr Usher said the first-class landmark building provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to come together. “After all we’ve been through over the past few years, the positive vibe and feeling this building has created within our community is so important. The smiles on faces, that’s the reward.”
“It has enhanced the recreational, social and cultural life of the Batemans Bay CBD and will serve the community’s and visitors’ needs for many years to come.”
