The 50m outdoor pool at the
North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) is set to close
temporarily to allow for works to progress on
the indoor swimming pools and
recreation facility.
Led by Ireland Brown Constructions, stage two of the
project is gaining momentum with construction running
to time and budget.
To ensure the safety of pool
users, staff and the worksite, we need to close
the whole facility from mid to late April through
to mid October. Exact dates will be publicised closer
to this period.
To minimise disruption, the works will take place
during a quieter period for the facility when member usage drops over
the cooler months.
Shutting the centre will reduce
risks to pool users from heavy machinery and live
construction, minimise the risk of project delays, lower the
chance of further closures during the summer peak and
simplify traffic management and exclusion zones.
Critical works include pouring the
concrete slab, installing ground beams, erecting structural
steel with high-risk crane lifts and earthworks.
Essential upgrades to existing pool infrastructure,
which are best undertaken during a closure, include new connections to pool
pipework, accessible ramp connections, concrete paving, links to stage 1 façade
and weather proofing.
Detailed information will be provided via email directly to members regarding their memberships.
There will be no job losses as a result
of the temporary closure.
Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD
Community health and safety is the top priority.
We understand that this short-term closure
will be an inconvenience, so we thank the community
for its patience.
The upcoming shutdown marks an exciting
milestone for the much-anticipated stage
two indoor facility.
It will allow
construction to ramp up with no risk to pool users and give crews uninterrupted access to the
existing plant equipment, which will be used to operate the
indoor centre.
Community members can stay updated of the
project’s process through our social media channels and the project page.
Don’t forget, members have access to all
of our other Swim, Sport and Leisure centres through their membership,
including the nearby Bellarine Aquatic and Sports
Centre and Splashdown Leisure Centre.
Stage 2 is proudly funded by the Australian
government ($20 million under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program),
Victorian government ($20 million) and City of Greater Geelong (up to
$300,000).