The ARC - Accessing the Main Entrance
This consultation has now closed
Update: December 2023
At its meeting on 19 December 2023, Council considered the results of the community consultation and decided to investigate grant funding for the installation of an external lift. The money previously allocated for this purpose in the 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan and Budget will now be carried forward to the draft 2024/2025 Annual Business Plan and Budget. Following feedback from the community Council also decided to investigate trialling access via the back door to The ARC.
The full report is available on the Council agenda.
Background
The ARC Campbelltown is Council’s premier swim, sport and fitness location in the Council area. This premier facility is used by thousands of people every day, and needs to cater to people of all ages and abilities.
In addition to traditional recreation activities, The ARC is used by a range of groups and individuals for health rehabilitation; health groups operate clinics and provide rehabilitation programs in the swimming pool. The ARC currently has approximately 100 users registered for rehabilitation and many more that are potentially impacted by its accessibility arrangements.
The ARC is built into the side of a steep hill and adjacent to Botanic Grove Reserve and a residential neighbourhood. Several years ago, Council considered using part of Botanic Grove Reserve for additional car parking however this was not supported by the Community.
Current car parking arrangements at The ARC include a variety of options. Large capacity ground level parking is available including 11 disability permit parks and 10 standard car parks directly outside the main entrance, whilst Level 1 and Level 2 parking is accessible from the main entrance for pedestrians via a steep staircase or a roadway that follows the gradient of the hill (no footpath is available).
Traditionally, the level car parks are used as a first option by users of he ARC. When these car parks are full, users tend to use the Level 1 car parks next. When the entire car park is very busy, users have no option but to park in any available space. This presents a challenge for people with mobility issues and young families. Users who are unable to use the stairs have reported that they are reluctant or unable to walk or push prams down the roadway to gain access to The ARC entrance, concerned for their own and their family’s welfare due to the slope of the roadway and risk of being hit by a car.
What’s being proposed?
The ARC needs to provide a safe and effective way to move mobility impaired users and young families to and from its Main Entrance to vehicles in the car park and public transport on Lower North East Road.
Council has prepared two options to resolve this issue. Funding is available in this year’s budget for either of these projects, however has not yet been allocated.
Option 1 | Option 2 |
An external lift (fully DDA – Disability Discrimination Act – compliant) would be installed. The project would include modifications on Level 1 to facilitate DDA access to the lift. Additional designated pram parks could also be added near the entrance to the lift on Level 1. The lift would have capacity for up to 10 people and be large enough to be able to move families with prams in one go. The cost for this project would be $478,000. | A ramp from the vicinity of the stairs on the Level 1 Car Park would follow the roadway down to ground level (cut into the existing verge). This is represented on the image and highlighted yellow. The ramp would not be fully DDA compliant (approximately 93% compliant) however it is anticipated that this Option would cater for young families and those mobility challenged including people attending rehabilitation programs, older people etc. The cost for this project would be $70,000. |
How you can get involved:
You are invited to provide your feedback by connecting with us in one of the following ways:
• Complete the survey below.
• Complete and submit a hardcopy survey (available from The ARC, Campbelltown Library or the Council Office and return it to The ARC or Council
• Send an email: mail@campbelltown.sa.gov.au Subject “ARC Lift”.
• Write a letter addressed to Community Engagement Officer, Campbelltown City Council, PO Box 1, Campbelltown SA 5074.
Enquiries: Michele on 8366 9222 or mail@campbelltown.sa.gov.au
Consultation closes: 5pm, Wednesday 29 November 2023
Need to know more to answer this survey. Ask your question here.