End in sight for Drysdale pool build

A NEW 50-metre outdoor pool at Drysdale is filling with water in preparation for it opening to the public later this year.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan, federal MP Libby Coker and state MP Alison Marchant toured the construction site of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre at the Drysdale sport precinct this week as the build nears its final stages.

Political stakeholders have also declared they want to see complimentary indoor facilities as part of a second stage to start “as soon as possible” as its planning continues.

The heated, Olympic-sized pool is being delivered alongside accessible changerooms, an entry pavilion, kiosk and landscaping.

External work at the pavilion building and changerooms and completion of the plant room and landscaping will finish the first stage.

The outdoor pool project is the result of $10 million in funding from the previous federal government and a $5.5-million commitment from the city.

Cr Sullivan said he was grateful for the ongoing collaboration.

“The filling of the outdoor 50-metre pool at North Bellarine Aquatic Centre marks a significant milestone, bringing us one step closer to providing our community with a world-class swimming facility,” Mayor Sullivan said.

With the centre’s first stage nearing completion, attention shifts to the project’s second stage to build complimentary indoor facilities with $40 million of state and federal government funding.

Corangamite MP Libby Coker said she looked forward to seeing the start of the second stage

“Stage one is almost complete, the pool is now full, and it’s time to build stage two,” Ms Coker said.

“Key elements of stage two that are under consideration include lap swimming, warm water exercise, learn to swim and hydrotherapy.”

“The Commonwealth is working with the City of Greater Geelong to make sure this project gets underway as soon as possible.”