Construction of the Devonport Indoor Aquatic Centre is officially underway.

The Premier, Lara Giddings, Federal Member for Braddon, Sid Sidebottom, Devonport Mayor Steve Martin and Alderman, Bill Wilson, turned the first sod to mark the beginning of work that will see the Indoor Aquatic Centre built over the next 18 months.

The $14 million centre is the largest single infrastructure project undertaken by the Devonport City Council which has committed $4 million dollars and $5 million dollars is coming from each the State and Federal Governments.

"Today is a milestone for the people of Devonport and surrounding areas," said Mayor Martin.

"An indoor swimming centre has been 20 years coming for the region. The community told us they wanted it, Council responded with a feasibility study and a business plan and today at last we have begun construction.

"Our current 50 metre outdoor pool which opened in 1973 has enjoyed a lot of history ranging from learn to swim to school championships to the 1987 Australian Masters Games and now 39 years later, we will further our efforts in building a healthy, vibrant, unique city for our community by building this magnificent project.

"The Devonport Aquatic Centre will be a regional hub serving communities from Burnie to Deloraine. It will cater for families, the ageing and indeed a centre for all.

"The Devonport Council thanks the Federal and State Governments because without their significant contributions this centre would not be possible and it will provide facilities that will contribute to improving the health of our community which in turn will be kinder to the health budget," Mayor Martin said.

He also paid tribute to those who had driven the vision of an indoor aquatic centre from just an idea to concept and now to the start of realisation - Royce Fairbrother, Alderman Bill Wilson and former Ald Jeff Matthews.

"Congratulations to those with the vision and this is an example of perseverance and determination from the Devonport community and also a commitment from the Devonport City Council to answering a call from the residents," Mayor Martin said.

Background:

A feasibility study conducted in 2005 and a 2009 Devonport Aquatic Centre Business Plan provided Council with the confidence to proceed with an indoor aquatic centre development.

Council accepted a tender of $10,488,253.00 exclusive of GST from Vos Construction & Joinery on May 21, 2012 to undertake the major construction works for the new facility. All tenders including tender rates and tender options were evaluated and reviewed by the tender review panel consisting of ARTAS Architects, Lifecycle Cost Management and Council Officers in accordance with Councils code for tenders and contracts and the Expression of Interest selection criteria.

Total capital expenditure on the project will be $13,960,000 with Federal and State Government funds of $5 million each and a Council contribution of $4 million.

When complete the Devonport Indoor Aquatic Centre will consist of a new 25 metre eight-lane indoor swimming pool, a new indoor learn to swim/warm water exercise pool and leisure water with water play features, a new outdoor water play splash pad with water play features, fitness gym and fitness program room, multi-purpose room, swim club/meeting room, cafe and seating, change rooms, storage and first-aid room.

The current 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool will be retained as will the 15-metre learner's pool and the waterslide.

The original Devonport Aquatic Centre opened in 1973 and before closure at the end of March this year, consisted of a 50-metre pool, a 15 metre learn to swim pool and an infant awareness area and water slide.