We are seeking community feedback to help shape concept designs for a proposed indoor aquatic and leisure centre at Drysdale which could feature indoor heated pools a gymnasium and wellness centre.
The North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a staged project beginning with the delivery of the $15.5 million outdoor 50-metre pool jointly funded by the Australian Government and the City of Greater Geelong.
Community feedback on the proposed stage 2 indoor aquatic and leisure centre will be used to develop concept plans to advocate for $45 million in funding support from the Victorian and Australian Governments.
An independent study produced for the City of Greater Geelong in March 2020 found communities such Drysdale Curlewis Portarlington St Leonards and Indented Head have lesser access to aquatic facilities than those elsewhere in Greater Geelong.
Submissions made to Council in April 2021 and direct consultation with the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group have been used to develop the following concepts for the indoor facility:
- warm water exercise pool with accessible ramp (21m x 14m)
- learn to swim program pool with accessible ramp (15m x 8m)
- water play pool with accessible ramp (19m x 19 m)
- spa sauna and steam room
- male and female change rooms family change village group change accessible change a changing places facility
- gymnasium
- group fitness rooms
- health and fitness change rooms
- health consulting suites
- café
- occasional care and program room.
The stage 2 plans for an indoor centre are illustrative only and will be subject to community feedback what funding is received and further business case development.
Work continues to progress on the year-round outdoor heated pool which is expected to open in late 2022 or early 2023 and will include a heated 50 metre pool changerooms a kiosk landscaping and carparking.
The City is delivering on its executed funding agreement with the Australian Government for the outdoor 50-metre facility and is on-track to award the construction tender by the end of the year.
Community members are encouraged to check the ‘Have Your Say’ page for the opportunity to engage with the City and comment on the stage 2 aquatic and leisure centre proposal.
Consultation opens on Thursday 11 November and closes at 5pm on Sunday 12 December 2021.
Mayor Stephanie Asher:
We want to listen to everyone’s views before we progress the concept designs.
Delivering both indoor and outdoor heated pools is based on extensive planning consultation and the identified need for a new centre for the north Bellarine community including more than 3 500 students who attend local schools adjacent to the site.
This is not about delivering an indoor pool or an outdoor pool it’s about advocating for the right aquatic products and the best service possible for the North Bellarine community.
The proposed wellness centre would feature a spa sauna and steam room that would be popular with senior residents and people with disabilities particularly because this service is not available at our nearby indoor centre in Ocean Grove.
Families with young children would be able to access indoor water play facilities locally at the Drysdale Sporting Precinct rather than travel 9km to the indoor centre in Ocean Grove.
The warm water exercise pool would set a regional standard for gentle exercise and rehabilitation while a new learn to swim pool would be used by adults and children of all abilities.
The gymnasium and group fitness rooms would promote health and fitness while also generating income for the centre.
The café would provide a community socialising and gathering space for up to 30 people.
Not only will we deliver the best facilities possible the construction will provide a big boost to our local economy at a time when we need it most.