At a cost of $10 million, the outdoor plant and pool redevelopment is set to give renewed life to the 50-year-old facility, which is also to receive public artwork created by artists Andrew Frazer and Chris Nixon, who were selected to take on the $135,000 commission following an extensive EOI process.
The artists said they combined key elements of nostalgia, vitality, health, movement and fragmented and abstract human form to come up with the final design, adding:
“We focussed on creating a bold and striking visual language which emerged through the study of key symbols and iconography, and we hope that this work – combined with the state-of-the-art upgrades to the pool – helps carry on this legacy of the iconic Aussie pool.”
Mayor of Stirling, Mark Irwin described the grandstand's new artwork design as a vibrant, fun and bold rejuvenation of the structure. He said the project will also include the establishment of a state-of-the-art pool to replace the outdoor eight-lane diving and swimming pools, a new heated L-shaped pool as well as plant room and shade structure upgrades.
Signage prepared by professional printing services are often erected to alert locals of major works at popular facilities such as the aquatic centre. Early 2023 has been designated for the start of works at the site with the new facilities expected to be opened in spring next year.