The City of Greater Geelong is inviting the community to help choose a new name for the soon-to-be-completed Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH) in Norlane.
During Tuesday night's meeting, the Council agreed to release four potential names for feedback:
- Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Centre);
- Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Complex);
- Aquatic Centre of Norlane (ACON); and
- Aquatic Complex of Norlane (ACON).
The names were shortlisted during workshops with members of the NACH Community Liaison Reference Group, which has been meeting regularly with City staff throughout the build.
The reference group expressed a preference for a name that highlights both the area and the nature of activities to be hosted within the facility.
Northern Aquatic and Community Hub has been the working title for the facility, but does not meet the naming rules under the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 (Vic).
Each of the proposed names meet the requirements of the Act.
The feedback period is open now and will run until Sunday 28 January 2024. Have your say by clicking here.
Following consultation, a recommendation will be presented to the Council for endorsement before being submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for approval.
Northern Aquatic and Community Hub will continue to be the working name for the facility until the official name is finalised.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
This facility will quickly become an iconic landmark in our northern suburbs and it's important that the community has a say in its naming.Don't miss your chance to help us choose a preferred option.
The $65.6 million facility is on track to open to the public in February 2024, with an announcement of an exact opening date to be made in the coming weeks.
Kane Constructions is on schedule to finish on site prior to Christmas and hand the building over to the City's Swim, Sport and Leisure team to prepare for opening.
Opening preparations, which are well underway, include recruitment, induction and training of around 250 employees, installation of health club and other equipment, and securing providers for the on-site café and health consulting suites.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken:
The facility is looking amazing. I was blown away during a recent site visit by how good it is.Norlane Pool and Waterworld were well loved icons of the north, and I am confident the local community will love this new facility even more.
We need a name that will resonate strongly, so please have your say and help us choose.
The hub features:
- Lap pool, waterplay area and waterslides;
- Warm water pool, spa and steam room;
- Learn to swim pool;
- Mezzanine level gym overlooking the aquatic facilities;
- Large multi-purpose community performance hall;
- Childcare facilities;
- Health consulting suites; and
- Extensive landscaped outdoor public open space areas.
Funded by the Council ($48.84 million), Victorian Government ($8.5 million) and Australian Government ($8.26 million), the hub replaces the former Waterworld and Centenary Hall facilities on the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway.
Pre-sale memberships are available here with a 20 per cent discount until 31 December.