100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Pool set to be removed as school outlines next steps for recreation centre site

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Pipeline runs dry: Coast facing office space crunch

Office space on the Sunshine Coast continues to be in short supply, according to latest figures. The vacancy rate for the Sunshine Coast market dropped More

Photo of the day: masts and nets

"A serene representation of our beautiful Mooloolah River as the sun retires for the day More nature providing gentle hues for a stunning silhouette," More

Pump track construction ramps up

A new pump track is being built at a park in the heart of the Sunshine Coast and should be ready within months. Sunshine Coast More

Man suffers serious injuries in mountain fall

A man with potentially life-threatening injuries has been airlifted to hospital after a fall at the Glass House Mountains. The man, who is in his More

Road closure for estate surprises surrounding community

The future closure of a road as part of an adjacent subdivision approval has riled residents who use it every day, although the council More

RBA cuts interest rates for first time since 2022

Rates cut at last but 'no victory on inflation yet' The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut interest rates for the first time in more More

The owner of a recreation centre in the heart of a coastal estate has announced plans for the site.

St Andrew’s Anglican College, which purchased the Peregian Springs Rec Centre in early 2023, has revealed that the facility will essentially make way for a dedicated sports precinct.

The school sent a letter to the venue’s members, informing them of upcoming changes.

“As part of our long-term master plan, the rec centre will be redeveloped into a dedicated sports precinct for our students,” acting head of business service Craig Harkiss said.

“This transition is a necessary step to support the growth of the college and meet the needs of current and future students.

“With space on campus increasingly limited, this additional land will enable the development of enhanced facilities that will benefit our students and the broader Sunshine Coast community.

“We thank you for your understanding and support as we move forward with this important step in St Andrew’s journey.”

The rec centre is on The Avenue, about 800m from the main school campus, in the middle of the now-completed and thriving estate. It includes a pool, gym, cafe, car parks and more.

The school will close the pool in early April, amid plans to remove it. Centre members will be able to use the gym and courts at a reduced fee and the cafe will remain open, at least for the time being.

“In the short term, the pool and surrounding area will be repurposed into an open green space, to provide a welcoming environment for community use, especially for those visiting the cafe,” Mr Harkiss told Sunshine Coast News.

The rec centre has a pool and gym.

It’s unclear when work could start in earnest on the sports precinct, and it’s not yet known what it could look like or how much it could cost to build. It’s also uncertain whether members of the public will be able to utilise it.

“The precinct is part of our broader long-term master plan,” Mr Harkiss said.

“No decisions or planning has been done so far. However, we will explore opportunities to incorporate elements for community use.”

Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.

The school purchased the site after its much-publicised closure in 2022.

Its original owners, developers FKP/Aveo, offered Ridges estate property owners, who accessed the centre via body corporate fees, the opportunity to buy the rec centre.

But a vote among the property owners narrowly failed and the venue was closed, before it was put on the market.

St Andrew’s then bought the site and reopened it with altered membership.

Ridges homeowners at the venue in 2022, when uncertainty surrounded its future.

The school is now ready to move on.

“St Andrew’s has honoured its commitment to keeping the rec centre open to the public for two years following the property purchase,” Mr Harkiss said.

He said the school would communicate with locals about the future of the site.

“At St Andrew’s, we prioritise fostering strong relationships within our community,” he said.

“Engaging with the community is a key aspect of our decision-making processes.

“At this stage, we do not have specific plans for the space, but a general vision.

“As the process unfolds, we are committed to consulting with the school community to ensure that their insights and perspectives help shape the future direction for the benefit of our students.”

St Andrew’s has made significant expansions and upgrades in recent years and is now focused on the development of a new precinct at its main campus on Peregian Springs Drive.

“At the end of 2024, Integral Constructions were awarded the contract to build our new performing arts teaching and learning spaces, as well as the new administration building,” Mr Harkiss said.

“This significant project will span approximately 18 months.

“The first stages of construction started on January 6 and will include two purpose-built band and string rooms, a 175-seat black box as well as classrooms and a new administration building at the front of the school.”

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share