NBAC indoor aquatic centre finds designer

THE highly anticipated $40.3 million Stage 2 expansion of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) now has a designer.

At its meeting last week, the City of Greater Geelong council voted to award the contract for the detailed design of the indoor aquatic centre to Williams Ross Architects Pty Ltd.

Locally, the firm has been involved previously in the refurbishment of Deakin University’s Costa Hall, completed in 2021, and in the concept design for a Surf Coast Cultural Centre.

The indoor facility will be built alongside the 50-metre heated outdoor swimming pool in Drysdale and will include an eight-lane, 25-metre pool, a warm water pool, a café and social space, a gymnasium and group exercise studios and a changing places changeroom.

The federal and Victorian governments have each committed $20 million to the project, with the city to contribute the remaining $300,000.

Speaking at the Geelong council’s meeting last week, mayor Trent Sullivan said the city was taking steps forward to get the job done and deliver Stage 2 of the project to the community.

“We all can’t wait for Stage 2 to be up and running and open for the community,” he said.

“This is, and always has been, intended to be a complete aquatic centre – not just Stage 1, but something that suits the needs of all members of our community.”

It is anticipated construction on the indoor facility will begin late next year, with its opening to the public expected in mid- to late-2027.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said communities on the Bellarine had been crying out for an indoor pool for years and this announcement brings the project one step closer to becoming a reality.

“It builds on the federal government’s investment in the outdoor pool and will leave an amazing legacy for the people of the Bellarine – it’s an awesome result, driven by the community,” she said.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the state government, and council to ensure this development meets community needs and expectations.”

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the expansion would be a major boost for the community.

“The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has been very popular within our local community so far, progressing the design process brings us one step closer to delivering an even bigger and better facility the community can be proud of.”