By Luke Voogt
Tender submissions have opened for the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub to replace the “ageing” Waterworld pool in Norlane.
Expressions of interest (EOI) to construct the now fully-funded $61 million facility opened on Saturday, Geelong council announced.
“I can’t believe this is really happening,” Windermere ward councillor Anthony Aitken said.
“The start of tender process means this $61 million investment in our north is really is going to be built.
“I encourage businesses who think they can deliver this generational changing project to log their interest ASAP, as my community wants this project built and opened as soon as it can be.”
Council has allocated $44.84 million to the facility and hopes to obtain another $10 million in federal funding, reducing its commitment to $34.84 million.
The project has also received $8.5 million from state government, plus another $8.26 million in re-allocated federal infrastructure funding.
“The EOI process has been fast-tracked thanks to our investment in making this project genuinely shovel-ready before full funding was confirmed,” Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said.
Council’s tender evaluation panel will assess each contractor on their capability, experience and ability before selecting a shortlist to submit more detailed submissions.
Council’s plans include a 25-metre pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a Learn to Swim pool, a water play area, a spa and a sauna.
The plans also include a café, a gym, a cycle studio, multi-purpose exercise studios, maternal health suites, a creche and a 400-person performance hall.
Visitors to Waterworld decreased from 368,874 in 2010-11 to 281,318 in 2014-15.
The facility is struggling with an annual operational loss of about $1 million including increasing costs to repair the “deteriorating” building, according to council.
A council assessment in February found the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub redevelopment “will deliver $1.79 of economic benefit for every $1 invested” and attract 600,000 yearly visits.
The new facility will deliver $111 million in preventative health benefits in its first decade, combatting high rates of obesity, “sedentary lifestyles” and psychological stress in the “disadvantaged” north, according to council.
Council has invited interested contractors to visit geelongaustralia.com.au/tenders or phone Todd Orme on 5272 5101.
