St Philip’s Christian College has thrown its hat in the ring as an alternate location for Cessnock’s new pool.
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The college has earmarked space and has developed a masterplan for an aquatic centre at the Cessnock end of its Wine Country Drive property.
The centre would include a 51-metre indoor pool (at a minimum) and would be open to the public.
“A big part of what we do as a college is be part of the community and provide and share resources when we can,” the school’s principal Darren Cox said, citing the school’s partnership with Pokolbin Rugby Club as an example.
Mr Cox said the school has received a number of quotes on the cost of the aquatic centre development and would be looking for a partner to help the project come to fruition.
“We would be keen to work with the council or a private group for a mutually-beneficial partnership,” he said.
“It makes economic sense and is good for community spirit.
“The town is crying out for it.”
Mr Cox said no matter who the school partners with to build the pool, it will be available for the community to use.
“Let’s not look at who owns things,” he said.
“It’s not ‘mine’ or ‘yours’, but how do we make it ‘ours’… so that everyone in the community benefits.”
A sports centre (including two basketball courts and a dance studio) is set for completion at the school in early 2018.
A Tartan athletics track and an equestrian facility is also on the school’s wish list.
“It’s no secret there’s been disengaged youth in this town… if we can provide these facilities it could put people onto a positive trajectory,” Mr Cox said.
“It’s bigger than just the building…. it’s what it does for people, hope and aspiration.
“All things are possible, let’s make them happen.
“It would be exciting for this town to have a marquee facility.”
Cessnock City Council moved at its July 5 meeting to defer a report on options for Cessnock’s new pool so councillors can be briefed on a range of options (including shared facilities) and inspect pools in neighbouring local government areas.
Council’s recreation services team is presently coordinating the site visits that will lead to a briefing and discussions around possible options for shared facilities.
A council spokesperson said Turner Park remains the council’s preferred site for a new aquatic centre, however, following further investigations, site visits and briefings, council may determine and subsequently resolve that an alternate site is preferred.
“Any aquatic facility options presented to Council by officers would include opportunities for collaboration as well as facility mix components that compliment rather than compete with similar facilities within the catchment,” the spokesperson said.
