The Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre (BBRAALC) is scheduled to be opened in early 2022.
Eurobodalla Council staff decided that the name Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre wasn't sexy and decided it needed to have a more endearing name such as The Bas that the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre in Moruya is now casually referred to.
Council say, "The branding component was critical to give the new facility a remarkable brand, an identity that stands out, is relevant, easily identifiable and that resonates with the community and visitors alike. The development of the brand was to also involve the traditional owners of the land to consider inclusion, representation, acknowledgement and celebration of local cultural heritage."
Council adds "It is well recognised that branding is an extremely valuable component of an economic development strategy, as a successful brand will position a place or product to create perceived customer value. The use of branding together with a strong marketing campaign will bolster the use of the new facility and this will contribute to the growth of revenue and accompanying demand for employment. These critical components will have a strong influence on how effective the new facility will be at attracting and retaining a large customer base."
With that brief the engaged consultants have come up with:
The Bay Pavilions, with the pool to be referred to as the Aquatic Pavilion incorporating Gurangadj (water slides) and the other bit to be called the Arts Pavilion which will contain the Yuin theatre, Studios 1 – 4 (including Indigenous numbering) and The Clyde Gallery.
It was determined that the waterbodies within the pool hall would retain their function names of the leisure pool and the warm water pool though many in the community believe that the naming of the warming pool could well have paid respect to the Hardings who have tirelessly worked towards Batemans Bay having a hydro pool.
Council advise that the café will remain unnamed at this stage until the managing contractor is in place saying "The rationale for this decision is to wait in case the managing contractor wishes to incorporate a known brand into the café as a part of their successful submission."
No doubt the same rationale exists for the 1000m2 gymnasium that Council has added to the complex in an attempt to sway the community to use the complex.
Council called for tenders for the Management of the pool under contract in March 2020. To date there has been no news on whether anyone stepped forward wanting the role.
It does appear that Council is pressing on with their intention to have the Pavillion managed as they have not listed the facility in their draft fees and charges for 2021/2022 which indicates a Casual Entry general swimming entrance fee for Council run swimming pools at $5.90.
Councillors will vote on the staff recommendations of names for the facility next Tuesday May 25th 2021.
