The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will open to the public at the start of next month, with the first phase of works on the project already essentially completed.
The Drysdale sports precinct centre will open for the first time at 6am on Wednesday, November 1, with a free open day celebration following on Sunday, November 5.
The $15.5 million stage one facilities available to the public from the opening include an outdoor, eight-lane 50-metre pool, a kiosk with outdoor seating, landscaped lawn areas and all-abilities change facilities.
The centre will have parking available for 60 cars as well as electric vehicle charging capability.
The design of stage two facilities, with combined funding of $40 million from state and federal governments, was approved in June and construction is set to begin in the coming weeks.
The second stage will focus on the indoor components of the centre, including the construction of an indoor, eight-lane 25-metre pool, a warm water pool and health and wellness facilities, including a gym and group fitness areas.
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the opening of the stage one facilities was “a significant milestone” that would stoke anticipation of the indoor pool.
“An eight-lane, heated pool will go a long way for those in our community who put the bathers away during the freezing winter mornings that locals know all too well,” Ms Coker said.
“I look forward to seeing stage two of this project get underway and am confident the community will make the most of this outdoor pool over the coming summer.”
“The event on Sunday 5 November will be a great opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy these magnificent facilities, and look forward to the future of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.”
Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said he was excited about the opening of the new aquatic centre.
“This really is a beautiful new facility that I expect to serve communities around the Bellarine Peninsula and (the) Greater Geelong area for many years to come,” Cr Mason said.
“From the impressive eight-lane outdoor pool through to the shaded tiered seating and beautifully manicured lawn areas, the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is set to become a hive of activity.”
