PLANS are afoot for a $35-million "leisure centre" at Charlestown.
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The plans, which will be assessed by Lake Macquarie Council, are an expansion of the existing swim centre on the corner of Dickinson and Mulbinga streets.
It's a small chunk of the council's $92-million infrastructure plan for the greater Charlestown area.
The leisure centre plans call for new pools and water play areas, including an eight-lane, 50-metre outdoor pool and a 25-metre indoor pool.
The new facility will seat 500 people outdoors and feature a cafe, gym and creche.
Lake Macquarie mayor Jodie Harrison said the new centre would provide something for everyone.
"Our swim centres are ageing and the community has previously told us they want features found in modern aquatic and leisure centres," she said.
Cr Harrison, who is also the state Labor MP for Charlestown, said the council had earmarked $5 million in developer contributions for the project but hoped that the state and federal governments would also pitch in to complete it.
She said that having a "shovel-ready, approved project" would help the council in its campaign for grants and other funding opportunities.
However, not all councillors agree.
Liberal councillor Rob Denton said the project was a "pie in the sky".
He questioned whether Labor governments would fund the project, even if they were in power at the state or federal level.