The design of stage two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre in Drysdale will begin soon.
In a major milestone for the $40.3 million project, a funding agreement between the Australian Government and the City of Greater Geelong has been executed, paving the way for the start of the design process.
A concept for stage two, an indoor aquatic centre to be built alongside the 50-metre heated outdoor pool delivered in stage one, was endorsed by the Council last year.
Created with the help of a 12-member community advisory panel, the concept design includes:
- Eight-lane 25-metre pool
- Warm water pool
- Café and social space
- Gymnasium and group exercise studio/s
- Changing places changeroom
- Various associated facilities
The detailed design will ready the project for construction, expected to begin late in 2025.
Stage two is supported with $20 million from the Australian Government's Priority Community Infrastructure Program.
The Victorian Government has also committed $20 million to the project, with the Council to contribute the remaining $300,000.
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker, State Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant and Mayor Trent Sullivan visited the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre with members of the community advisory panel to celebrate the stage two milestone.
It's expected the facility will be ready to open mid to late 2027.
Libby Coker:
I am proud to support our communities on the north Bellarine who fought hard for an indoor pool and this announcement marks a significant milestone in fulfilling their vision.
These facilities will provide much-needed services and access for older people, people with a disability, those with mobility issues and people undertaking rehabilitation from major injuries.
It will also provide more opportunities for learn-to-swim in facilities that meet the needs of our communities during the freezing winter months.
The increased accessibility and convenience will encourage a higher number of local residents to participate in healthy activity, enhancing the health, wellbeing and social cohesion of the community.
Alison Marchant:
Stage two of this project will create an Aquatic Centre that our community can be proud of with a range of facilities to fill the gap within the Bellarine Peninsula.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
Thank you to the Australian and Victorian Governments for their major investment in this facility.The 50-metre outdoor pool built as stage one has been a stunning success, and the community is now looking forward with great anticipation to the indoor component being added.
Stage two will broaden the use of the aquatic centre and ensure community members on the north Bellarine never have to travel outside their local area to access aquatic facilities they need.
