Waves of praise for pool design

KEY stakeholders including local MPs and community members have celebrated approval of the second stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.

The City of Greater Geelong ticked off concept plans for the Drysdale pool’s indoor second stage at last week’s council meeting.

The new facility will include an eight-lane, 25-metre pool, a warm water pool, café, gym and accessible changing rooms.

The indoor centre will complement a 50-metre outdoor pool and associated buildings nearing the end of construction at Peninsula Drive.

A 12-member Community Advisory Panel last month approved the concept plans that councillors voted on at their July meeting.

The city will deliver construction of the centre, funded by $40 million split evenly by the federal and state government, following election commitments from respective MPs Libby Coker (Corangamite) and Alison Marchant (Bellarine) before elections last year.

Ms Coker said last week’s approval was the culmination of years of advocacy.

“The community has fought for many years for this indoor aquatic facility.”

“It all started with forums and a survey to hear what the community wanted – this led to the formation of the advisory panel.

“I’d like to congratulate the advisory panel for sticking to their guns to deliver plans for an eight-lane 25-metre indoor pool and a warm water pool for lap swimming and learn to swim – this will be a vital piece of infrastructure for the community on the North Bellarine to enjoy for years to come.”

Ms Marchant also thanked the advisory panel for their collaboration on the project.

“When we listen to community and put them at the heart of decision making, better outcomes are achieved,” she said.

“I’d like to congratulate the Community Advisory Committee for their work in representing the views of the broader community, while ensuring stage two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is designed to cater for the needs of our communities.

“I thank them for their dedication and commitment to this project, to ensure we will have a facility that our community can now be proud of.”

Advisory panel spokesperson Gina Bell said its members appreciated the opportunity to be involved in the concept design process.

“We believe the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will provide opportunities for community participation in sport, promote healthy lifestyles, as well as support the sporting and community clubs,” Ms Bell said.

“We unanimously supported the final concept scenario presented to Geelong City Council at its July 2023 meeting.”

The project will now progress to detailed design before it begins construction.