North Bellarine Aquatic Centre sets opening date

THE Bellarine community will dive into their new pool in a little over three weeks, with the City of Greater Geelong announcing today (Monday, October 9) that the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre would open to the public at 6am on November 1.

Four days later, the centre will host a free open day, where everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy the state-of-the-art facility.

Stage one of the centre was supported by $10 million from the federal government and $5.5 million from the city.

Designs for stage two, featuring indoor facilities, have been approved following $20 million each in funding commitments from the state and federal governments.

When it opens, the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will feature:

• A eight-lane 50-metre pool
• All abilities change facilities
• Kiosk with outdoor seating
• Shaded tiered seating and landscaped lawn areas
• Parking for 60 cars and electric vehicle charging, and
• Reciprocal access for all Swim Sport & Leisure members.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said the opening of the first stage of the project would further drive anticipation for the completion of an indoor pool.

“Stage One is a significant milestone in our community’s long journey to an indoor pool for the North Bellarine.

“An eight-lane, heated pool will go a long way for those in our community who put the bathers away during the freezing winter mornings that locals know all too well.”

“I look forward to seeing Stage Two of this project get underway and am confident the community will make the most of this outdoor pool over the coming Summer.”

“The event on Sunday, November 5 will be a great opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy these magnificent facilities, and look forward to the future of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.”

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said he was delighted at the imminent opening of the new facility.

“This is an eagerly anticipated opening as residents of the North Bellarine communities have been looking forward to an aquatic centre like this for some time.

“I thank the federal government for the funding of the first stage and both levels of government, state and federal, for their support of the upcoming stage two developments.

“I also encourage everyone to come along to the free event on the Sunday; it’ll be a great opportunity to get together and celebrate this wonderful facility as a community.”

Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason was similarly excited about the community having access to the centre in less than a month.

“This really is a beautiful new facility that I expect to serve communities around the Bellarine Peninsula and Greater Geelong area for many years to come,” Cr Mason said.

“From the impressive eight-lane outdoor pool through to the shaded tiered seating and beautifully manicured lawn areas, the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is set to become a hive of activity.”

The pool’s seasonal opening hours will align with those at Lara Swimming Pool, also known as the Abe and Jean McClelland Pool:

November 1 – November 30 (restricted operations)
Monday to Friday: 6-10am, 3-6pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am-5pm

December 1 – March 31 (summer opening hours)
Monday to Friday: 6am-6pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am-5pm

For more information, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/nbac

For more information on Swim Sport & Leisure membership, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/ssl/default.aspx