FOUR architectural firms have been invited to compete in a design competition for the $40 million Southern Peninsula Aquatic centre planned for Rosebud foreshore.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors last week endorsed an officer’s report recommending concept proposals, drawings and presentation images be sought from Cox Architecture, Peddle Thorp, Suters Architects and Williams Ross.
The firms will each be paid $20,000.
As well as designs they will provide cost estimates for construction of the complex as well as their services to be “independently checked by the shire’s appointed quantity surveyor”.
A 71-page report to council by project manager Davis Langdon “defines what is needed from the project and maximises benefits so that the council’s expectations are met or exceeded by the completed project”.
Council’s capital works project manager David Hampton told councillors in a report that Davis Langdon “has identified a number of opportunities to achieve maximum value for money”.
“Their advice on how to improve the benefits of the project is more than simply minimising cost and is based on their considerable experience with the delivery of similar projects elsewhere,” Mr Hampton said.
Mr Hampton’s report stated that the “base cost” of the aquatic centre remained at $33.88 million, although the design brief given to the four architecture firms includes an extra $6m for waterslides, an expanded water play area, expanded gymnasium, demolition or changes to Rosebud Memorial Hall, and provision for an outdoor viewing deck accessible for use by the cafe.
The four-person judging panel will include “external design professionals” Robert Mehegan and Jon Shinkfield and the shire’s recreation and leisure manager.
Mr Hampton said a four-person panel would be appointed to judge the designs. The judges would be supported by technical experts, including a shire recreation or operations officer “chosen to represent eventual users”.
“The design competition and request for tender provides for the project brief and competitors’ drawings and presentations images to be placed on public exhibition, including social media and the shire’s website,” Mr Hampton stated.
“A public exhibition during the judging process is appropriate given the high level of community interest. Community comments may be considered by the panel as part of their evaluation.”
