As part of the State Government’s election promise, funding has been committed to redevelop the existing Adelaide Aquatic Centre in the Adelaide Park Lands located at Denise Norton Park / Pardipardinyilla (Park 2).
On 10 June 2023, the State Government announced that it had committed $135 million towards delivering a health and aquatic wellness centre in Park 2.
At its meeting of 27 June 2023, following State Government’s engagement with local residents, Council received an update on the project including revised project timeline, confirmation of the final location of the redeveloped centre and an overview of the proposed Project Agreement between the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and the Corporation of the City of Adelaide.
To facilitate the delivery of the project the following are required:
At its meeting on 11 July 2023, Council resolved to undertake consultation on the:
Legislation for the Granting of Lease and Licences in the Park Lands
Section 202 of the Local Government Act 2005 (LG Act) and section 21 of the Adelaide Park Lands Act 2005 (APL Act) establish provisions under which the City of Adelaide (CoA) may grant a lease or licence over community land in the Park Lands.
Strategies and Policies that Govern the Adelaide Park Lands
Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy 2015-2025
Under the Adelaide Park Lands Act 2005, the CoA must adopt a management strategy (strategy) as prepared by Kadaltilla/Adelaide Park Lands Authority. The strategy for the North Park Lands Precinct speaks to the enhancement of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre to meet community expectations and generate a greater focus on servicing the play space and picnicking areas through increased offerings and better access to the existing commercial operations.
Community Land Management Plan
Under the Local Government Act 1999 the CoA must adopt a Community Land Management Plan (CLMP) for those areas of the Park Lands under its care and control.
The current CLMP, comprising of separate ‘chapters’, has been reviewed and the management information for 30 parks and six squares has been brought together into a single document covering all the Adelaide Park Lands.
The Park 2 CLMP, can be viewed on page 21 and is referenced as Chapter 2.
Consultation on the draft consolidated CLMPs can be viewed by visiting the Your Say Adelaide website.
Essential Terms – Proposed Draft Lease Agreement
As this area will remain under the Council’s care and control, following completion of construction, a form of lease will need to be granted, not exceeding 42-years. The arrangement will operate as a ground lease whereby the lessee will be responsible the operation of the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, including but not limited to:
The Minister has indicated that total leased area would be approximately 29,305sqm (see Image 1), which includes the building footprint, car park and external areas. Overall, it is 1,000 sqm smaller than the total footprint of the existing centre.
The proposed draft Lease Agreement also seeks a nominal rent recognising the significant $135.0M capital investment and that the State Government will take on all operating and maintenance responsibilities for the new venue and site.
Image 1 – draft Lease Agreement Plan – 29,305 sqm
Draft Construction Licence
To facilitate the construction of the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, a construction licence will be required so that a works compound (compound) may be established to keep the area safe during the construction phase. The compound will typically be used for site buildings (such as amenities / site offices), storage of plant, machinery and materials and temporary stockpiling of soil during construction.
It is proposed that the draft Licence commence in October 2023 and finish in December 2025.
The proposal received from the Minister indicates that the compound at its maximum will be 35,000sqm (3.5ha). As the draft Licence is part of and required for project delivery, we are also consulting on the draft Licence to complete the community consultation engagement, noting that:
Stage 1 – September 2023 – 31 July 2024 (see Image 2).
Stage 2 - 1 August 2024 – December 2025 (see Image 3).
Image 2 – Temporary Works Compound (Stage 1 – approx.25,000 sqm)
Image 3 – Temporary Works Compound (Stage 2 – approx. 35,000 sqm)
