$61.6 million Northern Aquatic and Community Hub commences build

THE City of Greater Geelong has broken ground on a seven-year vision to create a premier health and wellbeing precinct for Geelong’s northern pocket.

Construction began on the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub on Monday on the current Waterworld and Centenary Hall site, located next to Barwon Health North.

The Hub upon completion will feature a 25-metre pool, a waterslide, 1000 square metres of multi-purpose community space, a gymnasium, aesthetic improvements to Corio Library and much more.

Among contractor Kane Constructions’ initial priorities, clearing the Centenary Hall site is one of them.
It will be replaced by a premier 1000-square metre community space – featuring a 400-seat performance area and two adjoining kitchens – that will serve as a central activity hub.

The flexible multi-purpose space will support the local community to carry out arts, cultural, recreational, and social activities, meetings, performances, and classes.

“This has been a top priority project for the council for a long time, so today’s milestone is a huge moment,” deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“This will be a state-of-the-art facility for the north, and we can’t wait to see the benefits it brings for the local community.”

The construction of the new Hub is jointly funded by the city ($44.84 million), the Victorian Government ($8.5 million) and the Australian Government ($8.26 million).

Waterworld is expected to operate as usual throughout 2022, with construction to focus on the northern end.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2023.