First tiles laid at the Northern Community Aquatic Hub

THE Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is well on its way to completion, with its construction passing the halfway mark and the first tiles being laid in the facility’s pools.

The $65.6 million centre going up on the site of Waterworld in Norlane is expected to open at some point in January 2024.

Installation of waterslides and play structures is under way in the waterplay area, while full tiling of the 25-metre lap pool is about to begin.

On the outside of the hub, external façades are close to complete and windows will be installed soon, making the building airtight and watertight.

The centre was jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong ($48.84 million), the Victorian government ($8.5 million) and the federal government ($8.26 million).

On Friday last week, Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan, deputy mayor Anthony Aitken, Cr Kylie Grzybek, Deputy Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles and Lara MP Ella George visited the site at the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway for a brief tour of the hub and to help lay the first five ceremonial tiles in the Learn to Swim pool.

Designed by architects dwp (Design Worldwide Partnership), the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is being built by Kane Constructions.

Once complete, its other facilities will include:

Warm water pool, spa and steam room

Mezzanine level gym overlooking the aquatic facilities

Multi-purpose community performance hall

Childcare facilities, and

Extensive landscaped outdoor public open space areas.

Cr Sullivan said the opening of the long-awaited hub was now in sight.

“The facility is really starting to take shape now,” he said. “It’s so exciting to see the progress and to start to imagine the community coming through the doors next year.”

Mr Marles said the federal government was a proud funding partner in delivering “world-class and modern facilities for Geelong’s northern suburbs”.

“The preventive health and wellbeing benefits that this project will bring to the community will be far-reaching, and I’m really looking forward to visiting again upon its completion.”

Ms George hailed the construction milestone.

“Along with Barwon Health North, this project is a much needed community asset for the people of Geelong’s northern suburbs,” she said.

“I’m proud that the Victorian government has provided $8.5 million to make the project a reality.”

Cr Aitken said the funding partnership would deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for Geelong’s north.

“The facility is going to be a central point for the local community and will create so many benefits in terms of health, fitness and social connection.

“We just can’t wait to see it open and being enjoyed.”

As part of the construction process, Waterworld will close from late June. The city’s Swim, Sport and Leisure team will operate a pop-up gym facility for Waterworld members at the nearby Corio Leisuretime Sports Precinct on Anakie Road.

Waterworld members also have reciprocal access to the city’s other Swim, Sport and Leisure facilities at Splashdown, Kardinia Aquatic Centre, Leisurelink and the Lara Swimming Pool.