Progress on the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) moved forward this week, with Geelong council awarding the tender to design the second stage of the project at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Williams Ross Architects have been awarded the design contract for the $40.3 million expansion of the centre, which will add a fully functional indoor aquatic centre to the existing 50-metre heated outdoor pool.
Geelong council approved the concept design of stage two chosen by a community advisory panel last July, which includes an eight lane 25-metre pool, warm water pool, health and wellness facilities, cafe and a changing places changeroom.
Construction of stage two is expected to begin late 2025 and be completed by mid to late 2027.
Geelong mayor and Bellarine Ward councillor Trent Sullivan, who has been a strong advocate for NBAC, said it was “fantastic” to see the design tender awarded and the project progress.
“This is and always has been intended to be a complete aquatic centre; not just a ‘stage one’, but… something that suits the needs of all members of our community,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“It’s just great to see progress is being made and the job is getting done. We’re getting on with it and I can’t wait for it to be delivered.”
Stage two of the centre is being funded by $20 million from both the Australian and Victorian governments, with the council providing $300,000.
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the announcement brought the project one step closer to becoming a reality.
“It builds on the Federal Government’s investment in the outdoor pool and will leave an amazing legacy for the people of the Bellarine; it’s an awesome result, driven by the community,” Ms Coker said.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the state government, and council to ensure this development meets community needs and expectations.”
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the expansion would be a major boost for the community.
“The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has been very popular within our local community so far, progressing the design process brings us one step closer to delivering an even bigger and better facility the community can be proud of,” she said.
