Construction of the $65.6 million Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane has now passed 50 per cent complete.
Mayor Trent Sullivan, Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken and Councillor Kylie Grzybek joined Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio The Hon. Richard Marles and State Member for Lara Ella George at the site to help lay the first tile in the hub's Learn to Swim pool.
Tiling of the 25-metre pool is also about to begin, while the waterplay area is coming together with installation of indoor waterslides and play structures.
Elsewhere, external façades are close to complete and windows will be installed soon, making the building airtight and watertight.
Jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong ($48.84 million), the Victorian Government ($8.5 million) and the Australian Government ($8.26 million), the world class facility will open early in 2024.
It will replace the ageing Waterworld and Centenary Hall on the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway.
Designed by architects dwp (Design Worldwide Partnership), the facility is being built by Kane Constructions. Once complete, it will feature:
- Lap pool (25m) and waterslides;
- Warm water pool, spa and steam room;
- Learn to Swim pool;
- Mezzanine level gym overlooking the aquatic facilities;
- Multi-purpose community performance hall;
- Childcare facilities; and
- Extensive landscaped outdoor public open space areas.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
With tiles being laid in the swimming pools and the main waterslides not too far off being installed, the facility is really starting to take shape now.It's so exciting to see the progress and to start to imagine the community coming through the doors next year.
Deputy Prime Minister The Hon. Richard Marles:
The Australian Government is a proud funding partner in delivering these world class and modern facilities for Geelong's northern suburbs.The preventive health and wellbeing benefits that this project will bring to the community will be far-reaching, and I'm really looking forward to visiting again upon its completion.
Member for Lara Ella George:
It is great to see that the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is now over halfway through construction.Along with Barwon Health North, this project is a much needed community asset for the people of Geelong's northern suburbs.
I'm proud that the Victorian State Government has provided $8.5 million to make the project a reality.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken:
The facility is going to be a central point for the local community and will create so many benefits in terms of health, fitness and social connection.We just can't wait to see it open and being enjoyed.
As part of the construction process, Waterworld will be required to close from late June.
The City's Swim, Sport and Leisure team will operate a pop-up gym facility for Waterworld members at the nearby Corio Leisuretime Sports Precinct on Anakie Road.
Waterworld members also have reciprocal access to the City's other Swim, Sport and Leisure facilities – Splashdown, Kardinia Aquatic Centre, Leisurelink and the Lara Swimming Pool.
