A major milestone has been reached in the City's seven-year vision to create a premier health and wellbeing precinct for Geelong's northern growth corridor.
Construction works will start on theNorthern Aquatic and Community Hub on Monday 21 February.
The landmark facility will be built on the current Waterworld and Centenary Hall site, next to Barwon Health North.
Jointly funded by the City ($44.84 million), the Victorian Government ($8.5 million) and the Australian Government ($8.26 million), the integrated hub will feature:
- 25-metre pool, hydrotherapy pool, Learn to Swim pool, water play area and waterslide
- 1000 square metres of multi-purpose community space
- spa, sauna, and steam room
- Centrally located café
- gymnasium, program rooms and occasional care facilities; and
- Expanded car parking spaces, landscaping, and aesthetic improvements to Corio Library.
Among contractor Kane Constructions' initial priorities is to clear the ageing Centenary Hall site.
It will be replaced by a premier 1000-square metre community space - featuring a 400-seat performance area and two adjoining kitchens - that will serve as a central activity hub.
The flexible multi-purpose space will support the local community to carry out arts, cultural, recreational and social activities, meetings, performances and classes.
While a number of existing trees are required to be removed, new trees will 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.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan:
This has been a top priority project for the Council for a long time, so today's milestone is a huge moment.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.
Senator for Victoria the Hon. Sarah Henderson:
What an exciting milestone! Under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the Morrison Government is investing $8.26 million in the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, which is expected to attract more than 600,000 visitors a year.The community dividends for this project are enormous; over a decade of operation the NACH will deliver $111 million in preventative health benefits alone.
I wish to acknowledge the incredible hard work and commitment of the City of Greater Geelong in realising this dream.
Member for Lara, the Hon. John Eren:
I am proud that it will complement the State Government's $33 million Barwon Health North facility, so this whole precinct will be a fantastic hub for our community members.This will truly be a magnificent destination for recreation, health and wellbeing experiences.
Windermere Ward councillor Anthony Aitken:
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.This is a special day that it sometimes looked like we would never reach. Thank-you to the Victorian and Australian governments for their financial support and to my fellow councillors for backing this major state-of-the-art rejuvenation project in the city's north.
Windermere Ward councillor Kylie Grzybek:
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.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.
