Big Splash is unlikely to reopen by its November 1 deadline after an attempt to sell the Macquarie aquatic facility failed, prompting the ACT government to commission an options analysis into its future.
The government says it no longer believes the leaseholder is on track to meet the requirement to reopen the pool by November 1.
The analysis will examine the costs of reopening the pools, slides and other facilities, the value of the land and potential commercial models for operating an aquatic facility on the site.
The community will be consulted as part of the work, while potential owners and operators will also be invited to put forward proposals for the site.
The government says its preference remains for a private buyer to acquire Big Splash and reopen it as an aquatic facility, and it is not planning to rezone the site for residential development.
The analysis will also consider restrictions under the government’s agreement for CISAC, which prevent the Territory from constructing or operating new swimming pools, sporting or leisure venues within a five-kilometre radius.
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