Opening date set for NACH

THE Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH) is practically complete but not yet operational, with the City of Greater Geelong set to open it within weeks.

The Corio facility is also in need of an official name, with public submissions to close before the end of this month.

On Thursday last week, Geelong deputy mayor Anthony Aitken tweeted three photos side by side, one showing the official start of building for the NACH two years ago (with now-retired Lara MP John Eren and former Windermere Ward councillor Kylie Grzybek) and the other two showing the interior and exterior of the facility, which Cr Aitken wrote was “now complete & ready to open in Feb 24 [2024]”.

Last week, the city announced the $56.6 million centre would open to the wider community 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.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said Kane Constructions achieved practical completion at NACH in the days leading up to Christmas and handed over to the city’s Swim, Sport and Leisure team to ready the hub for opening.

“Preparing a facility of this size to open is a big task that includes recruitment, induction and training of around 250 employees, installation of health club and other equipment, and securing providers for the on-site café and health consulting suites.

“The facility is looking fantastic and we can’t wait to welcome the community through the doors.

“Pre-sale memberships are available now via geelongaustralia.com.au/nach, with a special 20 per cent discount for those who sign up by January 14.”

The city is also still seeking feedback from the community about the hub’s official name – which will not be the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, as that does not meet Victoria’s naming rules under the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 – and Cr Sullivan encouraged everyone to have their say before the survey closed on January 28.

Four possible names have been put forward:

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

Largely funded by the city ($48.84 million), with contributions from the Victorian government ($8.5 million) and federal government ($8.26 million), the hub replaces the former Waterworld and Centenary Hall facilities on the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway.

NACH includes a lap pool, waterplay area and waterslides; warm water pool, spa and steam room; learn to swim pool; mezzanine level gym overlooking the aquatic facilities; large multi-purpose community performance hall; childcare facilities; health consulting suites; and landscaped outdoor public open space areas.

To submit your feedback on the hub’s name, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/NACHnaming