Federal funding locks in therapy pool addition

Published on 08 October 2021

A federal government funding announcement today has secured the addition of a warm water therapy pool at the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre.

The City of Hobart has welcomed today’s announcement by Senator Eric Abetz that it has been successful in receiving a $3.4 million grant under Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund program.

The announcement means the $6.8 million project is now fully funded, following a previous funding commitment by the Tasmanian Government.

“This is a fantastic example of investment by all levels of government in the wellbeing and health of our community and we are grateful for the support of both the federal and state governments,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

“This aquatic centre is an important recreational and health facility for not just Hobart, but for all of southern Tasmania.

“The new additions will bring significant social and economic benefits through improved health for our ageing population, and better access to hydrotherapy treatments and wellness programs.”

The project comprises construction of an 18m x 10m warm water pool, consultation rooms, accessible change rooms and a new entry that links with a new accessible carpark.

An accredited Changing Places room is also proposed, providing private, fully equipped amenities for people with high needs. It will be the second such facility in Hobart, following on from the installation of a Changing Places room at the Argyle Street carpark in 2019.

The new facilities will be housed in an extension to the rear of the existing building. Construction is expected to start in mid-2022.

The City of Hobart has invested nearly $6 million in upgrades to the centre since the endorsement of the master plan in 2017. Major works to date include refurbishment of the leisure pool and kids’ splash play area, new tiles on the pool deck, stage 1 of the carpark upgrade, and plant room equipment upgrades.