The owner of a recreation centre in the heart of a coastal estate has announced plans for the site.
St Andrew’s Anglican College, which purchased the Peregian Springs Rec Centre in early 2023, has revealed that the facility will essentially make way for a dedicated sports precinct.
The school sent a letter to the venue’s members, informing them of upcoming changes.
“As part of our long-term master plan, the rec centre will be redeveloped into a dedicated sports precinct for our students,” acting head of business service Craig Harkiss said.
“This transition is a necessary step to support the growth of the college and meet the needs of current and future students.
“With space on campus increasingly limited, this additional land will enable the development of enhanced facilities that will benefit our students and the broader Sunshine Coast community.
“We thank you for your understanding and support as we move forward with this important step in St Andrew’s journey.”
The rec centre is on The Avenue, about 800m from the main school campus, in the middle of the now-completed and thriving estate. It includes a pool, gym, cafe, car parks and more.
The school will close the pool in early April, amid plans to remove it. Centre members will be able to use the gym and courts at a reduced fee and the cafe will remain open, at least for the time being.
“In the short term, the pool and surrounding area will be repurposed into an open green space, to provide a welcoming environment for community use, especially for those visiting the cafe,” Mr Harkiss told Sunshine Coast News.
It’s unclear when work could start in earnest on the sports precinct, and it’s not yet known what it could look like or how much it could cost to build. It’s also uncertain whether members of the public will be able to utilise it.
“The precinct is part of our broader long-term master plan,” Mr Harkiss said.
“No decisions or planning has been done so far. However, we will explore opportunities to incorporate elements for community use.”
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The school purchased the site after its much-publicised closure in 2022.
Its original owners, developers FKP/Aveo, offered Ridges estate property owners, who accessed the centre via body corporate fees, the opportunity to buy the rec centre.
But a vote among the property owners narrowly failed and the venue was closed, before it was put on the market.
St Andrew’s then bought the site and reopened it with altered membership.
The school is now ready to move on.
“St Andrew’s has honoured its commitment to keeping the rec centre open to the public for two years following the property purchase,” Mr Harkiss said.
He said the school would communicate with locals about the future of the site.
“At St Andrew’s, we prioritise fostering strong relationships within our community,” he said.
“Engaging with the community is a key aspect of our decision-making processes.
“At this stage, we do not have specific plans for the space, but a general vision.
“As the process unfolds, we are committed to consulting with the school community to ensure that their insights and perspectives help shape the future direction for the benefit of our students.”
St Andrew’s has made significant expansions and upgrades in recent years and is now focused on the development of a new precinct at its main campus on Peregian Springs Drive.
“At the end of 2024, Integral Constructions were awarded the contract to build our new performing arts teaching and learning spaces, as well as the new administration building,” Mr Harkiss said.
“This significant project will span approximately 18 months.
“The first stages of construction started on January 6 and will include two purpose-built band and string rooms, a 175-seat black box as well as classrooms and a new administration building at the front of the school.”
