Indoor pool planned in Murray Bridge
The owners of the Pond Swim Centre at Mount Barker hope to open a second facility in the Murraylands.
Stories create community – that’s why this story about a current public consultation is free to read. Help Murray Bridge News tell our community’s stories by subscribing today.
Swimming lessons and other aquatic activities may soon be available in Murray Bridge year-round.
Builder Domenic Condina has filed plans for an indoor swimming centre on Chris Collins Court.
If approved, the heated pool would be operated by the Pond Swim Centre, which runs a similar facility in Mount Barker.
The centre’s Bianca McLean hoped the Murray Bridge council would grant development approval in time for the centre to open in the second half of 2024.
“We want to provide for people,” she told Murray Bridge News.
“I can’t believe there’s not year-round swimming down that way.”
She and her partner Pete had spent five years looking into the possibility of opening a second centre in Murray Bridge, she said.
If it went ahead, the centre would feature an above-ground pool 15.5 metres long and 4.5m wide, and would be open six days per week.
Classes of about 10 swimmers at a time would be able to use the pool.
Stories create community. Help Murray Bridge News tell our community’s stories.
Aside from the River Murray, the alternative options for swimming locally are limited, especially during winter.
The only other indoor pool in Murray Bridge – the one adjacent to the city’s hospital – was closed for two and a half years during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has long been subject to rumours that it might shut for good.
The outdoor Murray Bridge Swimming Centre is only open during the summer months, despite calls from local swimmers to extend its season.
More than 500 people signed a petition to that effect in 2022.
Responsibility for approving the proposed swimming centre will fall on the Murray Bridge council’s assessment panel: four independent experts plus Councillor Tom Haig.
Members of the public have until next Tuesday to provide feedback on the proposal.
- Have your say: Fill in the form, or download a copy, at plan.sa.gov.au by 11.59pm on Tuesday, April 23.
- More information: Visit plan.sa.gov.au or contact the Rural City of Murray Bridge’s planning team on 8539 1100 or at planning@murraybridge.sa.gov.au.
Stories create community. Help Murray Bridge News tell our community’s stories.
