$65.6m NACH to open in February, but what will they call it?

THE opening date of the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH) is now set and Geelong residents are being reminded that the facility is still in need of an official name.

Last week, the City of Greater Geelong announced the $65.6 million centre would fully open on February 19.

In the lead-up to the public opening date, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place with government funding partners on February 9, with the Webstar’s Swim School Program to begin on February 12.

Community members will have until January 28 to vote on their preferred name for the centre.

Four potential names have been shortlisted.

Each highlight both the activities that will be hosted within the aquatic and community centre and its location. They are:

• Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Centre)
• Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Complex)
• Aquatic Centre of Norlane (ACON), and
• Aquatic Complex of Norlane (ACON)

While Northern Aquatic and Community Hub has been used as the working title for the facility, it does not meet the naming requirements set out in the Geographic Place Names Act.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said residents in the region’s northern suburbs “have looked forward to” the opening of the centre “for a long time” and encouraged everyone to participate in the naming process.

“A lot of hard work has gone into making this dream a reality, and the end result is going to be incredible,” he said.

“The facility will quickly become an iconic landmark in our northern suburbs and it’s important that the community has a say in its naming.

Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said the centre needed a name that will “resonate strongly” and also called on the community to have their say and “help us choose”.

The centre’s aquatic features include a lap and warm water pool, a waterplay area, learn to swim pool, waterslides, and a spa and steam room.

Community members will also be able to make use of the facility’s gymnasium, multi-purpose hall, childcare facilities, health consulting suites and landscaped outdoor open space areas.

Opening preparations are currently underway including the recruitment of staff, installation of equipment and selection of providers for the facility’s on-site café.

Deputy Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles said the coming public opening marked an “exciting time”.

“[The northern suburbs] will have access not only to the pools and aquatic facilities, but to additional support services – like health and childcare – which are so important to the local community.”

Lara MP Ella George, said: “Every community deserves world class facilities, and that’s exactly what this health and recreation hub will deliver for people living in Norlane and Corio.”

The City of Greater Geelong will host a free community open day at the NACH following its official public opening next month, with details to follow in the coming weeks.

To contribute to the naming of the new facility, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/NACHnaming