Get Excited. It's coming and it is stunning.
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That's the message from former Margaret River Recreation Centre Manager Norma Guthrie, and long term regular Annie Dale, who were given an exclusive 'sneak peek' tour of the refurbished centre by current Recreation Centre Manager Dylan Brown, and Major Project Manager, Chris Yates.
I'm so impressed by the look and feel, it is just stunning. As the former manager of the centre it's fantastic to hear how the improvements will reduce running costs while increasing comfort for patrons.
- Norma Guthrie
The pair's comments follow last month's announcement confirming the centre will reopen on March 25, after it was closed for renovations to address the structural deterioration of the 25-year-old pool roof.
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River, which operates the centre, used the opportunity to refurbish the existing facilities which it said will improve accessibility and deliver a contemporary, functional centre to serve the community into the future.
According to Norma, who worked for the Shire for 35 years - including 17 years as Rec Centre Manager - the refurbishment has exceeded her expectations.
"I was here when the pool originally opened in the late 90s, and to see the centre now is amazing," she said.
To mark her service and contributions to the community, basketball courts at the centre are named in Norma's honour.
"I'm so impressed by the look and feel, it is just stunning," she said.
"As the former manager of the centre it's fantastic to hear how the improvements will reduce running costs while increasing comfort for patrons."
A regular at the Rec Centre since 1998, Annie said she was equally impressed with the upgrades.
"Seeing how it is all coming together, I can say to the community, it will all be worth the wait," she said.
Current Rec Centre Manager Dylan Brown said the changes to the scope of the project had extended the intended timeframe.
"At the start of the project, the builders discovered extra deterioration to the pool which needed to be rectified," he said. "And as anyone who has done a renovation would know, once you get started you realise there is additional work worth doing while you have the tools out.
"Doing that now saves money in the long run and avoids inconveniencing the community again down the track."
The Shire said it was expecting builders to hand the building back later this month, with the pool refilling commencing in coming weeks.
The building will also need be certified by relevant authorities and equipment and furniture will need to be installed, prior to reopening.
"We know that it's been a long wait, but with the stamp of approval from Norma and Annie, we're confident the community will be happy with the result as well," Dylan said.
