On the back of the state government’s decision to call off the Commonwealth Games, there are details around some promised sports facility upgrades in the Geelong region that are up in the air.
Thankfully, there’s much more positive news for the council-managed aquatic centre in Drysdale.
The first stage of the major development is almost ready to open, and we’re making significant progress on the indoor facilities that will follow.
Council this week approved the concept designs for the second stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.
Key features include:
– An indoor aquatic centre
– Eight-lane 25 metre pool
– A warm-water pool
– Aqua play area
– Hydrotherapy; and
– Various associated facilities
A lot of detailed and thoughtful work went into developing the approved concept.
I’d like to thank the 12-member Community Advisory Panel for its valuable input, which has helped council settle on its preferred design.
The panel included people with specialist swimming/aquatics knowledge, people with a lived experience of disability and representatives from local schools, community groups and sports clubs.
Their work has ensured that the stage two offering will meet the needs of the wider community.
Over four months the panel shaped and enhanced the project’s design via nine different concepts.
It was the ninth concept that the panel unanimously supported and recommended to council, and it is that version that will now proceed to detailed design works.
The indoor centre will have something for all aquatic users.
From babies taking to the water for the first time, through to seniors accessing rehabilitation and water exercise programs, the facilities will cater to everyone.
Stage two has been supported by $20 million each from the Victorian and Australian governments.
By working together across all levels of government, we are creating a lasting and well-considered facility that will serve the Bellarine for many years to come.
This welcome progress comes on the back of the final touches being applied to the outdoor lap pool in the Drysdale Sporting Precinct.
The $15.5 million development ($10m from the Australian government, $5.5m from council) includes an outdoor 50-metre, eight-lane heated pool.
It will open later this year, and will provide another option on the Bellarine for local and visiting swimmers.
For more information on the project, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/nbac
