Civil construction company Hamlyn Wilson has been awarded the contract for the water play area, to be located adjacent to Port Broughton's popular foreshore.
Hamlyn Wilson, in collaboration with its partners including water feature installer Pumptech and key subcontractor M&I Concrete, brings extensive experience and an understanding of recurrent maintenance challenges, especially for water play areas near beaches.
Drawing on Pumptech's extensive experience with similar projects across South Australia, the team will work to deliver potential savings, robust design, and a user-friendly system to the Top of the Yorke. M&I Concrete, known for their contribution to the Bank Street and Topham Mall upgrades for the Adelaide City Council, will complete the concrete works.
Pumptech will commission the water feature and electrical components, with a projected timeline of approximately nine weeks post procurement.
The Civic Square water feature project involves careful coordination among Council, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to achieve high-quality outcomes. Selection of experienced and local subcontractors is crucial in ensuring long-term maintenance and product longevity in the utilisation of water in public spaces.
The Council has chosen a concept design that eliminates the future need for relocation of the pumping and filtration system. The demolition of the existing Civic Square will begin in the coming months, with construction expected to start and be complete by Christmas, subject to weather conditions.
“This is a promising first step towards turbocharging tourism in the Top of the Yorke,” said Maree Wauchope, CEO of Barunga West Council.
“This addition to our array of events, facilities and attractions will encourage young families to take a detour from the highway for a stopover.
“It will certainly also boost the appeal of Port Broughton as a destination. The town already boasts a holiday park, golf course, tennis club, bowling club, a great pub, sensational fishing and beautiful beaches.”
Ms Wauchope said the water play feature would be a boon for the local community, notably for families and visitors.
“I'm thrilled about the community's overwhelming support for this project,” she said. “This free water play area will notably enhance the region's appeal for our youth, families, and visitors to Port Broughton, recently awarded the 2023 SA Tiny Tourism Town Award.”
The Civic Square upgrade project also contemplates enhancing and possibly relocating the Visitor Information Centre in Port Broughton. The proposed ‘Top of the Yorke’ Tourism Centre will house a new Visitor Information Centre, spotlighting local products and services.
The Civic Square's upgrade was initially delayed due to planning issues surrounding the water feature design. Previous plans necessitated future relocation of the pumping and filtration system, raising concerns about potential costs. However, Council's project team developed an alternative that eliminates the need for future relocation, aligning the project with its budget.
“Council is dedicated to delivering this project to the highest standards, within the allocated budget, for the benefit of our local community and tourists,” Ms Wauchope said.