The Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre will undergo a $5 million revamp by Griffith City Council.

Griffith Mayor John Dal Broi said a draft concept plan had been prepared along with a survey to obtain feedback from the community and gauge what is important to the majority of users.

“We conducted a survey and community consultation during 2013/14 and the feedback received was heavily in favour of increased water space overall and for a 50-metre pool to be installed to cater for the recreational needs of the community,” Councillor Dal Broi said.

“A 50-metre pool will allow for greater scope to hold regional swimming carnivals, additional learn to swim sessions and introduce water sports such as water polo.

The first stage of the redevelopment will include a 50-metre pool, a new plant room, additional spectator seating and landscaping, new fencing and extended amenities for the fitness club and to service the outdoor pool.

Griffith City Council general manager Brett Stonestreet said council had included an indicative figure of $5 million in its 10 year long-term financial plan to complete the first stage of the redevelopment.

“Council is planning to seek additional funds through grant opportunities to avoid having the community foot the bill for the entire redevelopment,” Mr Stonestreet said.

“All council facilities are currently performing extremely well, having revised their operating budgets down from the forecast figures last financial year and have continued to perform within or under their revised budgets.

“This allows the savings to be used in the redevelopment of the centre.”

Council would also like to see further developments including additional barbecue and seating areas and expanded parking facilities.

To allow for the expansion, council is looking at options for the skate park located in Olympic Street.

“The redevelopment of the aquatic centre presents us with an opportunity to look at overhauling the current skate park and relocating it to a more suitable location,” Cr Dal Broi said.

“We are planning to provide new and improved features to replace the existing park which needs to be relocated to accommodate the increase in size of the aquatic facilities at Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre.”