Council is committed to keeping Kiloran Park as open land following the closure of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool in late 2023.
Council made the decision to permanently close the Kilsyth Centenary Pool at the 24 October 2023 Council Meeting and convert the area into public open space for the community to enjoy.
The closure was due to significant structural failures and defects that posed an unacceptable public safety and environmental risk.
During the October meeting, Council resolved to maintain the site as open space, and to create a masterplan for the whole of Kiloran Park to explore future opportunities and projects.
The masterplan process will commence late 2025 and will include community broad consultation seeking ideas and feedback.
At the 9 April 2024 Council Meeting, Council adopted the Yarra Ranges Aquatic and Leisure Strategy.
The Strategy lays out the future provision and servicing of aquatic and leisure centres in the Yarra Ranges from 2023-2033.
One action from the strategy is to develop a Business Case for an urban aquatics and leisure facility. This is being developed over the next six months with sites being explored in Lilydale and surrounding areas.
The draft business case will identify the components of the future facility and propose a funding strategy to help deliver the project.
Examples of components that may be included:
Aquatics Dry health and leisure
Indoor lap pool
Program pool (learn to swim)
Warm water pool – including spa
Interactive leisure water
Steam and sauna
Group fitness rooms
Gym
Social space
Café
Community meeting spaces
With the recent land purchase of 150 Cambridge Road ($6.4M) and master planning underway, recently completed works at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve ($1.4M), and $18M worth of developments at Pinks Reserve, there's some exciting developments for open space and recreation in Kilsyth.
Council will keep the community updated with the progress of the business case and the development of the master plan throughout the year.
