The City of Greater Geelong is seeking community feedback to help shape concept designs for a proposed indoor aquatic and leisure centre at Drysdale, which could feature indoor heated pools, a gymnasium, and wellness centre.
The North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a staged project beginning with the delivery of the $15.5 million outdoor 50-metre pool jointly funded by the Australian Government and the City of Greater Geelong.
Community feedback on the proposed stage two indoor aquatic and leisure centre will be used to develop concept plans to advocate for $45 million in funding support from the Victorian and Australian governments.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said the council has listened to community feedback about the importance of delivering fit-for-purpose aquatic and leisure facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools at the Drysdale Sporting Precinct.
“Delivering both indoor and outdoor heated pools is based on extensive planning, consultation and the identified need for a new centre for the north Bellarine community, including more than 3500 students who attend local schools adjacent to the site,” the mayor said.
“This is not about delivering an indoor pool or an outdoor pool, it’s about advocating for the right aquatic products and the best service possible for the North Bellarine community.
“We want to listen to everyone’s views before we progress the concept designs.”
An independent study produced for the City of Greater Geelong in March 2020 found communities such Drysdale, Curlewis, Portarlington, St Leonards and Indented Head have lesser access to aquatic facilities than those elsewhere in Greater Geelong.
Submissions made to council in April 2021 and direct consultation with the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group have been used to develop the following concepts for the indoor facility:
warm water exercise pool with accessible ramp (21m x 14m)
learn to swim program pool with accessible ramp (15m x 8m)
water play pool with accessible ramp (19m x 19 m)
spa, sauna and steam room
male and female change rooms, family change village, group change, accessible change, a changing places facility
gymnasium
group fitness rooms
health and fitness change rooms
health consulting suites
cafe
occasional care and program room.
“The proposed wellness centre would feature a spa, sauna and steam room that would be popular with senior residents and people with disabilities, particularly because this service is not available at our nearby indoor centre in Ocean Grove,” mayor Asher said.
“Families with young children would be able to access indoor water play facilities locally at the Drysdale Sporting Precinct rather than travel 9km to the aquatic centre in Ocean Grove.
“The warm water exercise pool would set a regional standard for gentle exercise and rehabilitation, while a new learn to swim pool would be used by adults and children of all abilities.
“The gymnasium and group fitness rooms would promote health and fitness while also generating income for the centre.
“The cafe would provide a community socialising and gathering space for up to 30 people.”
The stage two plans for an indoor centre are illustrative only and will be subject to what funding is received and further business case development.
The mayor said work continues to progress on the year-round outdoor heated pool, which is expected to open in late 2022 or early 2023 and will include a heated 50 metre pool, changerooms, a kiosk, landscaping and car parking.
Community members are encouraged to check the ‘Have Your Say’ page for the opportunity to engage with the city and comment on the stage two proposal.
Consultation closes at 5pm on Sunday 12 December.
