Torquay aquatic centre on track for early 2027 opening

TORQUAY will finally have a pool in a matter of months, with the aquatic centre in Torquay North on track to open early next year.

Stage 1 and stage 2 of the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre are being constructed simultaneously next to the existing basketball courts at Wurdi Baierr Stadium.

Once complete, the indoor facility will contain a 25-metre pool, warm water pool, gym/program space, allied health suites and café with supporting amenities (all in stage 1) as well as a learn to swim pool, splash park, spa, sauna and steam room and more change rooms (all in stage 2).

The aquatic centre will eventually share an entrance with the stadium.

All of the pools have been tiled and painting and fitout work is now under way.

Surf Coast Shire chief executive Robyn Seymour said the centre was “so close” to being finished and was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

“As we know when we’re building a house, it’s often those last things that feel like they take such a long time,” she said.

Seymour said the Torquay community had aspirations for a pool in their town since the 1960s.

“It started off as a vision for sea baths, and over time has evolved into what will be these amazing facilities,” she said.

“It’s going to be a fabulous community facility and we can’t wait to our community to come and experience and enjoy it.”

Stage 1 has a $46.34 million price tag, including $20 million from the federal government and $16.68 million from the Victorian government.

Stage 2 works have been fully funded by the Victorian government, but an exact figure has not been confirmed.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney, Surf Coast Shire deputy mayor Tony Phelps toured the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre earlier today.

Tierney said the centre would be an asset not just for the Surf Coast but also neighbouring areas such as Armstrong Creek.

“This is a facility that is for all people, whether you’re all-abilities, whether you’re young, there’s water play spaces, there’s rehabilition, there’s spas and of course there is absolute swimming,” she said.

“This is not to be missed and as soon as it’s open, I would encourage everyone to get down here and have a look.”