City’s largest social infrastucture investment closer to fruition

A CRITICAL preventative health facility is progressing rapidly, with the City of Greater Geelong confirming the final design has been completed ahead of the April due date.

The redevelopment of the Waterworld and Centenary Hall into the Norlane Aquatic and Community Hub has been cited as the council’s top priority.

Later this month, the city is expected to decide how much from the $8.2 million federal fund will go towards the project anticipated to greatly benefit the north.

The decision comes as the council committed $22.6 million in what would be the city’s largest contribution to social infrastructure.

Additional funding from state and federal government will be required to make up the total $61.6 million necessary for the design.

In September 2020, the council agreed to allocate $800,000 to complete the final design, making the project “shovel ready”.

The world-class facility is anticipated to deliver $111 million in preventative health benefits in its first decade.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the project will immediately stimulate the economy and significantly boost the community’s health and wellbeing.

“We have said all along that we won’t give up until it’s built.”

Existing plans include the construction of a 25-metre pool, hydrotherapy and learn-to-swim pool, gym and group exercise, multi-purpose community spaces, consulting suites for maternal child health and rehabilitation services.

The council is now positioning the redevelopment as a top priority for COVID-19 stimulus funding from state and federal governments, with Windermere Ward councillor Anthony Aitken saying it is now vital.

“This critical project for Geelong and the north has taken on even greater urgency in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“Access to a state-of-the-art facility would encourage more people to exercise, benefitting the community’s overall physical health.”

The facility will inject $67 million into the local economy while creating 111 jobs.

“It is council’s number one community infrastructure project and we have been told the best chance to get it funded by state and federal government is as a COVID-19 recovery stimulus project,” Mr Aitken said.

It is expected that the council will approach Lara MP John Eren later this month before he requests the state to reserve up to $20 million for the project in the May budget.