Gungahlin leisure centre designs unveiled

The government unveiled finished designs for the $28.7 million centre yesterday that fulfil its promise to Gungahlin residents to build both 50-metre and 25-metre pools for the area.

Controversy over the proposal erupted early last year when it appeared the Gungahlin community would have to choose between the two pool lengths.

The new centre, to be completed early 2014, will have an eight-lane 50-metre pool that will meet the Olympic standard for water polo, and a 25-metre pool that will allow for learn-to-swim classes, lap swimmers and a children's play area.

The centre will also include a separate children's water play area, a gym with programmed classes and fitness rooms, a cafe, and childcare facilities. But the project's budget is not enough to accommodate a women's only swimming section, despite calls from the ACT Greens.

Tourism, Sport and Recreation Minister Andrew Barr said the overall concept for the leisure centre had been developed in consultation with Gungahlin residents.

''There is strong demand for sport and recreation facilities among Gungahlin's rapidly growing population, and I'm delighted the ACT Labor government is delivering this state-of-the-art centre,'' he said.

''In addition, the centre will bring more people to the Gungahlin town centre, further boosting the facilities and businesses on offer there.''

At a presentation to the Gungahlin community council last week, Territory and Municipal Services sport and recreation manager Rick Rand said the design of the centre was such that women's only swimming could be incorporated at a later date. An alternative location for single-sex swimming classes had also been secured at the Canberra Grammar School from late April.

The ACT Greens have said they are happy for Gungahlin not to accommodate women's swimming provided an alternative is available.