• Feasibility investigations and stakeholder engagement.
• Site location assessments.
• Concept plan development.
• Preparation of a business case to assist our client with their application for State and Federal funding opportunities.
• Design specification of the Regional Aquatic Centre, including the schedule of necessary components.

• The Business Case for this Aquatic Centre was successful in earning $15 million through NSW Centre of Excellence Fund and $9 million through the Australian Government Growing Regions Fund.
• The project will provide regionally significant aquatic, sport, and recreational facilities to the local Tamworth community and the surrounding New England North West region across three development stages.

• The Council’s existing Aquatic Centres were both aged and facing the end of their serviceable life.
• Consultation with a range of stakeholders and managing the needs required in the precinct.
• Testing of design options across various sites.
• Disruptions to planning and the cost implications of COVID-19.

• The Business Case has significantly contributed to funding the $45 million centre.
• A total of $132,063.560 direct and indirect benefits will be realised over 10 years of the centre’s operation.
• Increase in regional income through hosting of sporting events and additional employment opportunities.

$63.5 million

• Feasibility Study.
• Business Case and Financial Modelling.
• Funding Application – $10 million low-interest loan from the State Government.
• Design and planning advice as part of the design team. Review of
• Operational and Management Options.

• Successful funding and construction of an integrated aquatic and leisure centre.

• 6-star green star design included full electrification, skylights within pool hall for natural light, use of timber construction and pool blankets.

• No net increase in carpark numbers with a focus on supporting active transport strategies.

• The Centre design aligns with community expectations and addresses the needs of key user groups.
• It includes key aquatic features such as a warmwater pool and a range of change room options responding to the evolving community profile.
• The design is adaptable, allowing for future modifications based on changing trends.
• There is engagement with First Nation organisations, ensuring integration into the facility design and programming opportunities.
• A temporary displacement plan is in place for existing clubs and activities, including negotiations with other providers.
• Appointing the management group early is essential for managing presales and transition.

• The Centre opened with 5,353 members, with 700 members signed in the first week of operation, and over 10,000 members by 12 months of operation.
• The Centre attracted 1 million visitors within 10 months of opening.
• 80% of staff live or study in Darebin.
• 3,000 learn to swim members.
• Partnership created with 10 local businesses.
• Extended programming to satellite venues due to high demand.

Inverell Shire Council (NSW)

Otium has worked with Inverell Shire Council in regional NSW across various stages for the redevelopment of the Inverell Aquatic Centre – from initial feasibility through to operations. A critical piece of the project delivery was the preparation of a business case in accordance with NSW Treasury Guidelines.

• Feasibility investigations and options analysis.
• Extensive community and stakeholder engagement.
• Concept plan development in conjunction with partner architects.
• Asset condition assessments in conjunction with partner engineers.
• Financial, operational and visitation modelling.
• Preparation of a business case to assist our client with their application for State and Federal funding opportunities.

• The business case for this aquatic facility helped secure $6,755,000 across two NSW Government Grant Programs.
• Innovative aquatic design to meet the specific needs of the Inverell community including a moveable boom to separate the 50m pool, allowing the indoor 25m portion to remain operational by closing the retractable glazed door during winter months.

• The Aquatic Centre was more than 60 years old and nearing the end of its operational life.
• A significant increase in operating costs since 2015, including repairs, maintenance, and energy.
• Regular user groups needs were not being met.
• The facilities were not fit for purpose to encourage broader community use.

• The funding secured helped the delivery of the redevelopment that occurred in 2023 and 2024.
• The business case projected the following benefits: Increased visitation from 35,000 visits to over 100,000.
  • Health benefits of $2.185 million over 10 years
  • An estimated increase in regional income generated by the project of $15.962 million.
  • An average 14.9 FTE jobs per year.