VIDEO: A fly-through of the Casuarina $25 million “resort-style” pool has been released painting a picture of a tropical oasis complete with an outdoor gym, cafe, evening event space, “clubroom” and creche.

Touted as the “jewel in the crown” of the Darwin Council’s 2020/21 Budget, Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the project falls in line with a global demand for “fun” community spaces.

“Around the world the focus for new swimming pool developments is creating spaces that are fun, versatile and appeal to people of all ages and abilities, and I believe the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre draft masterplan achieves that,” he said.

“The aim is to transform this large area into a multi-use facility which will appeal to a wide audience.

The short clip takes viewers on a virtual tour of the multi-million project developed by local architect firm Ashford Group, and is a far cry from the existing pool, now almost 40 years old.

Weaving through leafy trees and green grassy areas, the video shows off a large “resort style lagoon”, 50 metre lap pool, learn to swim pools, wet and dry play areas, indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, picnic areas and BBQ facilities.

It flies over a dedicated event space and includes a promenade and the possibility for a new cafe or restaurant.

Community feedback welcomed, but not to exceed budget

Lord Mayor Vatskalis says the community now has the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft masterplan, but has cautioned against monumental shifts which could blow the budget.

“We are asking the community to provide feedback, we want the community to have their say prior to the design being finalised,” he said.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis.

“We won’t proceed to the next stage until we have this feedback as we want this facility to meet the needs and expectations of the community for another 50 years.”

Amid calls for the council to create “something special” at a “prime piece of real estate” during the last council meeting, Mr Vatskalis warned the budget was set.

The project is “not to exceed $25 million”, he said.

“We might find savings, but $25 million needs to be the item.”

Darwin Council unveiled their budget, which included the pool revamp, in June and said there would be no increase to rates.

However, alderman Mick Palmer still heeded a word of caution at the meeting following alderman George Lambrinidis saying he would welcome a larger community space as part of the redevelopment.

“[Council’s] biggest problem will be to control the budget,” Mr Palmer said.

“We are dealing with rate payers money… We have $25 million in the budget, most of which will be borrowed… There would be nothing worse than overspending for our public image,” he said.

Community consultation opens on September 28 and will inform any changes to the draft masterplan, with the final concept plan to be presented at the council meeting on November 24, 2020.

You can view the plan here.