Woollam is now on site and ready to start work on the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre, the next major project in the Queensland company’s almost 140-year history.
Appointed as head contractor for the Bundaberg Regional Council project, Woollam officially took over the site of the new aquatic centre this week.
Founded in 1884, Woollam is Queensand’s oldest privately-owned building company.
During that time it has been responsible for the construction of regional landmarks from the Stockman’s Hall of Fame to the recently unveiled Rockhampton Museum of Art.
Woollam General Manager Chris Lucas said the company was pleased to be working in Bundaberg again and to help deliver the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.
“[The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is] an incredible project for the community and we’re proud to be involved,” Mr Lucas said.
‘’Woollam is a name that has been around for 138 years and throughout that time we’ve always been known for working together – with our communities, with our contract partners, with our clients, and with each other – we’re excited to bring that philosophy to this project,” Mr Lucas said.
The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre construction is the single biggest contract undertaken in Bundaberg Regional Council’s history, requiring a head contractor with specialised skills and expertise.
Throughout the contract tender process Council has worked to ensure local contractors would be provided opportunities within the project’s construction.
Woollam Constructions was awarded the tender for its experience delivering major pools and complex large-scale community infrastructure with a commitment to engaging local companies in the construction process.
“We are engaging a great cohort of trades from the local area including major supply contracts such as reinforcing steel and concrete,” Mr Lucas said.
“We anticipate at the peak of construction we will have approximately 120 workers on site daily, so this will inject a significant amount of stimulus into the local economy too”
“Woollam has been working in the Wide Bay Burnett region since the early 1900s, and more recently completed construction work at Branyan Road State School, so we know that there are skilled and capable trades in the area.
“Working in the regions, if you don't partner with the local suppliers and trades, it's almost impossible to build these projects.”
Mayor Jack Dempsey joined Woollam Constructions on site of the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre this week to welcome the contractor to the region.
“It is so exciting to see this project getting underway,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“The new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre will improve health outcomes for the entire community from learn-to-swim classes right through to rehabilitation and therapy sessions.
“Best of all, it’s best practice accessibility features will ensure the entire facility can be enjoyed by all.
“It’s a project that has been in the planning stages for over a decade and it’s very rewarding to see work starting on this generational project.”
Mr Lucas said Woollam Constructions recognised the significance of the project to the Bundaberg Region community.
‘’There’s a lot to be confident about Bundaberg in general,’’ he said.
“This is just the beginning of what will be an exciting and significant opportunity for Bundaberg over the next couple of years directly and indirectly.
“We’ve been building in the Fraser Coast to Rocky corridor for a long time, including the recent upgrade of Gladstone Hospital and a number of retirement communities in Hervey Bay, so we want to see jobs, opportunity, and dollars benefit the region where possible,” Mr Lucas said.
The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre has been funded with support from the Queensland Government Works for Queensland program.
Read more about the project here.
Really pleased that it is an established Qld company building this centre
In the meantime if you can’t get to Norville Pool just sneak into a motel. There pools are rarely used no one will know.
As a previous motel owner, I would not advise anyone to sneak into a motel swimming pool, that is unless you want to be arrested for tresspassing.