THE 50-metre indoor pool at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre is a step closer to completion, after a state-of-the-art pool boom was installed.
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The boom, which is the largest single component of the project and the biggest single piece of fibreglass in Ballarat, was installed at the pool last week.
Ballarat mayor John Philips welcomed the latest addition to the project.
“I’m very pleased with the way construction is going at the pool,” Cr Philips said.
“There has been minimal impact of the aquatic centre with it remaining opening to the public throughout construction.
“We really welcome this great piece of equipment which will be of significant use to the pool and allow it to function in a number of different ways.”
The purpose of the boom is to allow for the pool to be divided and function as two independent, competition-standard 25-metre pools.
It can also be positioned to create a competition-standard water polo pool.
When it is not being used, the boom will form the end wall of the pool, along with starting blocks and provision for competition timing systems.
Construction of the boom itself took more than eight months to complete. It was created in Seattle before being transported to Australia by ship.
Nicholson Construction Pty Ltd foreman Scott Hunt, who is leading the project, said Seattle was one of the only cities in the world to specialise in this type of infrastructure.
“The stage we are at with the development at the moment is all about finishing the pool’s structure,” Mr Hunt said.
“Then we will progress to perfecting the roof and cover before we start looking at the external walls and windows and closing the project in.”
Mr Hunt said the boom required a substantial crane to lift it into its final resting position at the north end of the pool. Once the pool is filled, the entire boom will be able to float, and can be easily moved along the length of the pool by just two staff.
The first of the large metal beams spanning the high pool hall roof have been erected, and the first of the wall sections have also been raised into position.
The project is expected to be complete by March next year.
melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au
