Construction has started on one of the City of Greater Geelong’s largest community projects this week.
Work on the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub began on Monday, with the first sod officially turned on Sunday.
The $61.6 million facility will be built on the existing Waterworld and Centenary Hall site in Norlane, next to Barwon health North.
The aquatic centre and health precinct will include a 25-metre pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a Learn to Swim pool, water play area, a water slide, a spa, a sauna and a steam room, as well a café, gymnasium and occasional care facilities.
The project will also see car parking facilities expanded and aesthetic improvements to the nearby Corio Library.
Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the start of construction was the culmination of years of preparation and advocacy.
“This has been a top priority project for the council for a long time, so [this week’s] milestone is a huge moment,” he said.
“This will be a state-of-the-art facility for the north and we can’t wait to see the benefits it brings for the local community.”
The project is jointly funded by all three levels of government, with the City providing $44.84 million, the state government $8.5 million and the federal government $8.26 million.
Victorian senator Sarah Henderson said it was exciting to see visible progress on the much-anticipated project, which would deliver significant health and wellbeing outcomes for the northern suburbs.
“What an exciting milestone … the community dividends for this project are enormous; over a decade of operation the NACH will deliver $111 million in preventative health benefits alone,” she said.
Lara MP John Eren said the project would be a great asset for the local community and a boost for local jobs, delivering an expected 128 jobs during construction.
“This will truly be a magnificent destination for recreation, health and wellbeing experiences,” he said.
Kane Constructions was appointed to build the facility in December and its first priority will be to clear the aging Centenary Hall site.
It will be replaced by a 1000-square metre community space, featuring a 400-seat performance area and two adjoining kitchens, that will serve as a central activity hub.
The multi-purpose space will be available for the community to host arts, cultural, recreational and social activities, meetings, performances and classes.
The City confirmed the works will require several existing trees be removed, but said new trees would be planted as part of revegetation works.
Waterworld will operate as usual throughout 2022, with construction to focus on the northern end of the site until 2023.
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2023.
Windermere Ward councillor Anthony Aitken said the City was excited for the start of the next phase in a long journey.
“The hoarding is up, demolition of Centenary Hall will begin soon and the site will be transformed over the next two years into the Greater Geelong Council’s largest ever community project outside of the CBD,” Cr Aitken said.
“This is a special day that it sometimes looked like we would never reach.”
Fellow Windermere Ward councillor Kylie Grzybek also acknowledged the support of the Australian and Victorian governments.
“The council is proud to be investing into this vital facility, and we’re thankful to our state and federal colleagues for their funding contributions,” Cr Grzybek said.
“This facility will make a difference in the lives of so many people, including existing residents and those who will eventually move into the new growth areas to the north and west of the city.”
