The brand new Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane has been officially opened during a ceremony on Friday 9 February.
Ahead of the hub's first full day of operation on 19 February, Mayor Trent Sullivan joined Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Richard Marles MP, state Member for Lara Ella George, fellow councillors and community members to cut the ribbon on the $65.6 million facility.
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.
It features:
- Lap pool, waterplay area and waterslides;
- Warm water pool, spa, sauna and steam room;
- Learn to swim pool;
- Mezzanine level gym overlooking the aquatic facilities;
- Reformer Pilates, group exercise and cycle studios;
- Large multi-purpose community performance hall;
- Childcare facilities;
- Accessible change facilities;
- Health consulting suites; and
- Extensive landscaped outdoor public open space areas.
Memberships are on sale now.
The City will host a free community open day, serving as the Swim, Sport and Leisure team's Summer of Fun finale event, on Sunday 3 March.
Contractor Kane Constructions finished work on time and within budget just prior to Christmas, handing over to the City's Swim, Sport and Leisure team to prepare for opening.
The build provided employment for 1197 workers, including 489 from the local G21 region, while 23 of 47 contracts for key trades and supplies were awarded to Geelong-based companies.
Once in operation, the facility will employ around 250 staff on a full-time, part-time or casual basis.
'Northern Aquatic and Community Hub' is a working title for the facility. Public consultation on a permanent name closed on 28 January and a recommendation will be put forward for endorsement at an upcoming Council meeting.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
The opening of this facility is the culmination of a long-held vision.It is so important for the future of Geelong's northern suburbs and stood as the Council's No.1 advocacy priority for several years as we tried to get it funded and ultimately built.
Thank-you to the Australian and Victorian governments for coming on board with significant funding contributions alongside the Council's major investment.
After so much effort by many people, it is amazing to see the hub finished and looking incredible. We can't wait to open the doors to the public on 19 February and I'm certain the community is going to enjoy this facility for many, many years to come.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio, Hon. Richard Marles MP:
The new Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is incredibly important to the community and health and wellbeing of Geelong's north.It is great to see the collaboration of all three tiers of government to enable this project to become a reality and be enjoyed by all.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Hon. Kristy McBain MP:
Pools are the heartbeat of communities big and small.This is a real game-changer for Geelong. Whether you're aspiring to be the next Emma McKeon, or prefer to stick to a more leisurely pace, this new facility has something for everyone – and is part of the Australian Government's commitment to investing in fit-for-purpose infrastructure that meets the needs of local communities.
State Member for Lara Ella George MP:
It is so exciting to see the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub officially open. Facilities like this are so important for local communities as a place for active recreation, leisure, and connecting with friends and family.I'm proud that the Allan Labor Government has invested $8.5 million to make this project a reality for Geelong's northern suburbs.
Every Victorian deserves world class aquatic community facilities – and that's exactly what we're delivering in Norlane.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken:
The opening marks a proud and significant day for Geelong's north.The northern suburbs of Geelong are now home to an incredible community asset that has exceeded our expectations.
This is a precinct which is a model for urban renewal and partnership between governments to build hope and a future in a community.
