Work is set to start soon on a new outdoor pool in Drysdale, with City of Greater Geelong councillors last week awarding the tender for the project’s first stage.
Construction will begin early next year after councillors awarded the tender for the $15.5 million North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre to Kane Constructions.
The project, which received $10 million from the federal government, includes a 50-metre, eight-lane heated outdoor pool.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said awarding the tender was a milestone in the project, with the pool expected to be open in about 12 months.
“For too long the Bellarine community has had less access to aquatic facilities than other areas of Greater Geelong, so we’re thrilled that construction can get under way in the new year,” Cr Asher said.
“Kane will use local sub-contractors and source a large proportion of goods and services through local businesses.”
Geelong-based senator Sarah Henderson said the federal government was pleased to support a new facility for the Bellarine.
“Supported by $10 million from the Morrison government, I am delighted that construction of stage one of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will soon be under way,” she said.
“The 50-metre outdoor heated pool will be a wonderful asset for local residents, including thousands of students who attend local schools.”
The design of the stage one outdoor facility incorporated community feedback and was completed by Mantric Architecture in September.
It features all abilities change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, tiered covered seating, a landscaped community lawn area with umbrellas, more than 100 trees, and parking for 60 cars.
A scoping study showed the outdoor facility is expected to be visited by more than 34,000 people each year.
Usage of the outdoor pool is expected to will grow steadily, with the population of the Bellarine Peninsula forecast to grow by 40 per cent to about 70,000 residents by 2041.
Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan encouraged community members to also provide feedback on the proposal for a complementary indoor facility.
“We encourage everyone to provide feedback via our ‘Have Your Say’ page so we can keep working to secure funding to construct an indoor pool,” he said.
“The proposed indoor facilities in stage two featuring a spa, sauna and steam room would particularly support the health and wellbeing of senior residents and people with disabilities.”
Feedback on the stage two proposal closes on Tuesday, January 4.
