Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre

Construction on Council’s largest ever infrastructure project the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre at Olympic Park Mount Gambier is progressing despite delays due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“If you drive past the development regularly or keep an eye on the monthly time lapse videos released by Council you would have seen a lot of activity on site during the past couple of months,” Project Sponsor Barbara Cernovskis said.

Head contractor BADGE Constructions is currently installing the roof on the facility.

Now that the roof is being installed, we can really see the inside of the building starting to take shape. Crews are working on ceiling framing and closing the walls and partitions between the community spaces, amenities and office area. - Barbara Cernovskis

There are currently about 80 people working on site each day and the total workforce is expected to reach about 120 in the coming months.

“The blockwork for the courts, amenity facilities and aquatics area has commenced, ongoing internal electrical, mechanical and plumbing services works continues as does structural steel works in the court area and western storage area.”

“1300 solar panels will also be installed in the coming weeks.”

The program of works is being amended and prioritised to address any delays and challenges due to the changing environment of COVID-19.

“It is challenging building in a COVID-19 environment, particularly due to periodic lockdowns hindering the procurement of goods and contractors from Victoria.”

“Border restrictions have made it difficult to secure the required trades on site and it has been a challenge to find specialist trades to undertake some of the jobs required,” Ms Cernovskis said.

The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre will be life changing for our community and it will be worth the wait.

Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au

About the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre project

The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre is a multi-purpose facility designed to be a community space with facilities and activities for all ages and abilities including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports and those with special needs.

The centre is being built at Olympic Park on Margaret Street, Mount Gambier and will provide substantial year round indoor facilities, addressing many community needs both now and for future generations to come.

The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre will increase the ability for Mount Gambier to host major sporting competitions, conferences, events and performances, providing significant social and economic benefits.

This modern facility is designed to be a community hub with a multi-purpose design to complement existing facilities and become a focal point for Mount Gambier’s recreation, community activities and functions.

Proposed uses:

• Venue for large conference events and performances for more than 1000 people, including breakout and smaller conference/meeting rooms.
• Versatile spaces with a stage for live performances, retractable seating, efficient acoustics, projection and IT facilities.
• Six regulation size, multi-purpose courts for ball sports such as netball, basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, badminton, carpet bowls and a range of other recreation and fitness purposes.
• Aquatics including a learn to swim pool, children’s water splash/play area, 25 metre pool and a warm water pool. All facilities will be to regulation size with disability access.
• Youth zone, a need that has been identified by Council’s recently completed youth plan.
• Amenities associated with the facility include a crèche, café, office space for sporting groups and allied health, storage and a strong focus on disability access.
• Fitness spaces located on the first floor along with community and conference rooms and associated amenities. Seating is also provided on the first floor, overlooking the six multi-purpose courts.
• The current 50 metre pool (and grass surrounds) will be upgraded.
• The exterior features include increased car parking, undercover drop off areas and a paved and landscaped entrance.

The project has attracted an unprecedented $25 million in Federal and State Government funding made possible through the Federal and State Government Regional Growth Funds.