Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said plans for the new centre with indoor and outdoor pool areas, water slides, splash zones and lawned recreation spaces in the northern park lands have been lodged with the state planning authority.

This means the public will soon be able to provide their own feedback via the PlanSA website on the complex which also includes a fitness centre, gymnasium and a café.

The design and construction blueprint needs consent from the State Commission Assessment Panel to free the way for building to start on replacing the existing aquatics centre.

The Planning SA website says work will require removal of 15 regulated trees and seven significant trees, extend the existing service thoroughfare and reconfiguration and expand the car parking area for the current aquatic centre.

Koutsantonis said the hunt is already underway for potential builders, with expressions of interest open.

Other swimming options are slated to be ‘shared with pool users’ in October this year, according to a question-and-answer page on the Infrastructure and Transport Department website.

“This is 10 months ahead of the closure, ensuring we have ample time to work with individuals on their requirements,” the site information announced.

Designs for the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide. Photo: supplied

The State Government said it considered keeping the centre open during construction but believed its closure would shorten build timeframes and reduce disruption in the northern park lands at Pardipardinyilla / Denise Norton Park.

Concept designs created by Adelaide-based architects JPE Design Studio in conjunction with Warren and Mahoney were released by the government in June after consultation with more than 1200 users, sporting groups and residents.

Koutsantonis said the design means 1000 square metres of land will be returned to the park lands and the plans lodged with SCAP show the building is designed and positioned to reflect national heritage values in the park lands setting.

The centre will be powered using 100 per cent renewable energy and constructed using locally sourced, low-carbon emission materials.

Car park numbers are also planned to increase from 266 at the existing centre to about 375 while the overall footprint of the facility is smaller, Koutsantonis said.

There will also be multiple electric vehicle charging stations in the car park and the facility will incorporate around 55 bicycle spaces.

“Planning approval is the next big step towards delivering a world-class aquatic centre that South Australians can enjoy for generations,” Koutsantonis said.

“With its smaller footprint, sustainable design and lower height than the existing facility, the new centre will blend into the natural landscape of the park lands and respect the national heritage principles.

“Construction of the new centre can begin once we obtain planning permission.”

The lodgement follows approval being granted for an amendment under the state’s Planning and Design Code, which rezones the land to create a new Adelaide Aquatic Centre Sub Zone within the Adelaide Park Lands Zone.

Koutsantonis said the rezoning change ensured the correct planning policies are in place to enable the new facility to be built, as well as return the existing centre to park lands.

Aquatic centre designs are now lodged with the state planning authority.