By Ian Neubauer

Adelaide moved one step closer to becoming world swimming’s latest destination yesterday (Apr 29) after the South Australian Government awarded a contract to build the State Aquatic Centre.

South Australian Sports Minister Michael Wright said the contract had been awarded to local builder Candetti Constructions.

“We are delighted to be working with a South Australian company to deliver the people of this State an international sporting venue and also generate 300 jobs in the process,” he said.

“Adelaide will now boast aquatics facilities of a world-class standard and there’s the added bonus for the local community of construction of a GP Plus health care centre within the precinct.”

The South Australian Government made a commitment in February that the project wouldn’t fall victim to the global recession and that it would be ready for business in 2010.

“This is yet another example of our commitment to action now for the future and is further evidence of South Australia defying the global downturn by remaining well and truly open for business,” Wright said.

Construction is scheduled to start within eight weeks to enable both projects to be completed in 2010, with the GP Plus Health Care Centre expected to be complete in the first half of next year and the Aquatic Centre in the second.