Construction
of the new Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane has reached an
important milestone, with the 25-metre, warm water and leisure pools all
passing their hydrostatic tests to confirm they are watertight.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken and Councillor Kylie Grzybek visited the site with
recently elected Member for Lara Ella George this week to view the progress of
the $65.6 million facility.
Alongside the fully formed pools, significant structures such as the gym and
multi-purpose community hall have also started to rise from the ground in
recent months.
The facility, which will replace the loved but ageing Waterworld Leisure Centre
at the same location, is being funded in a partnership between the Council
($48.84 million), Victorian Government ($8.5 million) and Australian Government
($8.26 million).
Council increased its contribution by $4 million through its 2022-23 budget to
convert the facility from gas to electricity, enabling it to be powered
entirely by renewable energy.
Construction of the hub started in February 2022 and
is expected to be complete early in 2024.
Members of the community can
follow the progress of the construction through viewing portals cut into the
fencing surrounding the site on the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway.
The City has released images showing what the facility will look like once
finished.
The 3D architects’ renders depict the main features, including the:
- Lap pool and waterslides;
- Warm water pool, spa and steam
room;
- Learn to swim pool;
- Mezzanine level gym overlooking
the aquatic facilities;
- Multi-purpose community
performance hall;
- Childcare facilities; and
- Extensive landscaped outdoor
public open space areas.
The new images, as well as monthly progress updates from builders Kane
Constructions, are available at our Northern Aquatic and Community Hub page.
The Hononrable Richard Marles MP - Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio
The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is a project which I have
supported since its inception.
The Australian Government is proudly investing $8.26 million in this project
which will make a huge difference to the people of the northern suburbs of
Geelong.
Deputy Mayor Aitken
It is exciting to see the Council’s long-held vision
taking shape.
This is a facility we have worked so hard to make a reality and it is amazing
to see it starting to come to life.
The build is at a point now where you can start to imagine what it will look
like once it’s finished.
It’s going to be a facility which will bring great
pride to our northern suburbs. With a magnificent new community events venue, a
health and aquatics wellbeing precinct, and a place everyone in Greater Geelong
can enjoy and use.
The Council has made a huge investment and we are so thankful to the state and
federal governments for their contributions.
Councillor Grzybek
It is great to get a glimpse of what the community
could look forward to.
This is going to be a special place for the community in Geelong’s northern
suburbs and right across our region.
We’re building something modern and genuinely exciting. The progress on site
at the moment provides a good sense of what’s to come, but we really can’t wait
to see the finished product.
Ms George
I am proud that the Victorian Government has provided $8.5
million to make the project a reality.
It was great to visit the site of the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub to
see the progress made since we turned the sod at the start of 2022.
The northern suburbs deserve modern and
accessible recreation and health facilities – that’s exactly what the NACH will
be.