Craigie Leisure Centre revamp is closer

A MAJOR refurbishment of Craigie Leisure Centre estimated to cost about $8.63 million is a step closer.

Joondalup councillors at last week’s meeting voted to take the project to a construction tender stage.

The upgrade, which could begin in the 2021-22 financial year, will see the main gym floor area more than double in size from 500sq m to 1200sq m with a new toilet and changeroom area.

Works would also include relocating and extending the group fitness, wellness and cycle studios and creche, relocating the staff room to allow for the cycle studio extension and minor modifications to the facility entrance.

Parking will also be upgraded by formalising the existing western overflow carpark area, additional car parking on the northern ring road and modifications to the southern and staff carparks.

Because the City had a project budget of $7.79 million, officers reviewed the proposed works and considered a second option estimated at $5.83 million.

However according to the council document, with membership numbers currently at a capacity of about 4000, it was estimated the first option would increase this to 7000 while the second option would only increase to 6550.

It also said the first option would increase income by more than $3.8 million by 2028 so it was “estimated to have the ability to pay back the additional investment costs required within eight years”.

“These financial benefits outweigh the increased operating expenses, depreciation and interest on borrowings,” the document said.

Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said the leisure industry had changed significantly in recent years and the City had to adapt to current and future trends. He said consultation with existing customers, members and user groups would ensure the proposed works would address their needs.

“The gym and group fitness activities at Craigie are the main areas which have been experiencing the most significant challenges in respect to membership retention and it’s vital we continue to offer our patrons world-class facilities that meet their current needs, while also attracting new members in the future,” he said.

Once construction starts, the works will be done in two stages.

The centre will continue to operate during construction and efforts made to minimise the impact on members and user groups.

Temporary changes to health and fitness facilities are to be confirmed and project updates will be communicated as work progresses.

Craigie Leisure Centre was constructed in 1988, with the indoor stadium facilities and fitness components added to the aquatic areas in 1992, and additional improvements and extensions to the health and fitness areas in 1995-96.

In 2006, the facility was redeveloped with an indoor 25m lap pool, indoor leisure pool, spa, sauna and steam room, gym, group fitness and cycle studios, creche, function room, offices, toilets and change rooms, café, merchandise shop and four sports courts.

In February 2010, a second phase of the redevelopment was opened which included an outdoor 50m lap pool, zero depth water playground and meeting room.

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