Council refocuses plans for Lavington Swim Centre

The decision follows the completion of the design development phase for the previously adopted Stage 3 redevelopment, which has provided greater detail about the facility's design, construction requirements and likely cost.

The updated Quantity Surveyor Cost Plan estimates the Stage 3 redevelopment at approximately $55.4 million, an increase of $10.3 million from the $45.1 million concept estimate presented during community consultation in 2025. An additional $2-3 million in enabling works would also be required. This cost escalation reflects inflationary pressure, further design development requirements and current market conditions.

Council has set the $25 million capital investment cap to test what type of replacement facility could be realistically designed and constructed within an investment level that is more financially achievable for Council. The cap recognises the need to balance the community’s need for a replacement facility with Council’s broader financial responsibilities and long-term financial sustainability.

The scope optimisation process will consider the core facilities required by the community, including a replacement 50-metre swimming pool, learn-to-swim and program pool, modern amenities, accessible change facilities, administration and operational spaces, pool plant infrastructure and associated site works.

Importantly, Council does not currently have funding allocated for construction of a replacement facility. Any future decision to move forward would need to consider the outcomes of the scope optimisation process, the resulting project cost, Council's broader financial capacity and potential funding options, including consideration as part of Special Rate Variation discussions.

Albury Mayor Kylie King reiterated the importance of the Lavington Swim Centre and Council's commitment to look at all the options before making a decision on how to proceed.

“The Lavington Swim Centre is an important community facility, providing opportunities for people of all ages to swim, stay active, connect with others and participate in local sport. Council is committed to exploring every avenue we can to keep the facility open,” Mayor King said.

“We know the current facility is ageing and that a decision about its long-term future needs to be made. Our immediate focus is on understanding what a replacement facility could look like at a level of investment that is more financially achievable for Council.”

“Any decision about whether to proceed would then need to consider the findings of the scope optimisation process alongside Council’s broader financial position, including Special Rate Variation discussions.”

“In the meantime, the Lavington Swim Centre will continue to operate as normal for the 2026 swim season, welcoming the community back from this Friday 2 October.”

The Lavington Swim Centre was assessed in February 2026, and it was determined that it was nearing the end of its useful life due to the ageing infrastructure. Importantly, no immediate safety concerns were identified, and the facility remains safe to operate in the short term.

However, as the facility continues to age, the risk of asset failures, increased maintenance costs and service disruptions is expected to grow. Council has been advised that a replacement facility or closure will likely need to be pursued within the next two years.

Council will receive a further report in 2027 at the completion of the scope optimisation process, outlining a potential facility scope, concept design, updated project cost estimate and potential funding considerations for Council to consider.