BY LAURA WILLIAMS
The University of Newcastle is celebrating the final milestone of the refurbishment of their Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre, with the pool taps turning on this week.
The three-day pool refill is the final stage of a $7.8 million refurbishment of the 23 year old facility.
University Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky says the refurbishment represents the university's dedication to providing world class facilities for students, staff and community.
"When you have the right facilities you can attract events and activate the campus."
The scope of work included a restructure to include a disabled access ramp, touch pad timing for competition-level swim meets and a new elevator with improved accessibility.
"Let's hope someone in the Hunter can set a world record here."
The project was fast tracked following the closure of the sports centre during COVID-19, allowing opportunity to begin construction with minimal community interruption.
"The upgrades provided an opportunity for us to provide work to those who needed it during Covid, and have a ready-to-use facility in a post-Covid world," says Professor Zelinsky.
The Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre is set to reopen June 15th and will be open to the community.
