About Time Bathhouse aims for Christmas opening

THE About Time Bathhouse in Torquay has resumed construction and is eying an opening date before Christmas this year.

Part of the precinct formerly occupied by Quiksilver’s headquarters at 27 Baines Crescent, the bathhouse’s facilities will include top-line massage and holistic skin treatments, indoor and outdoor bathing, steam, a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna, and a flexible space for groups.

The project is a collaboration between Kent Pomare of Little Company, Joanna Beecher of STILL Beauty, architect David Goss of Studio Goss, and the Curnow family of the Surf Coast – including ex-Carlton player and incumbent Lorne Dolphins coach Ed and two-time Coleman Medallist and Carlton spearhead Charlie.

The Curnow brothers checked on the progress of the build during a visit on Monday this week.

Ed said work on About Time Bathhouse came to a halt when the previous builder went into administration in March 2023, but was back on track with new builder Dimpat.

“Essentially, we’ve had amazing facilities as football players for a long time, and access to hot and cold therapy, wellness and feeling good about youself, and how that’s a really proactive measure in decreasing the risk of getting sick.

“We both grew up here, and we love the idea of bringing something different and new to the Surf Coast that we’ve had access to, and to do it with a team that have got that sort of experience, it’s been really exciting.”

Charlie said the bathhouse would have wide appeal across the Surf Coast.

“Even in the surf scene you see ice baths taking over social media at the moment.

“Having a place where not only athletes but also other people can come down and enjoy the space on a cold day… I feel like everyone’s buying into wellness at the moment and understanding the benefits of saunas and cold plunges.

“This is not the sort of place where you have to be a professional athlete to come in and enjoy the space; it’s for everyone.

“The build that Ed has put together with Dimpat is relaxing, calm – it’s going to have a really nice feel when you walk in the door.”

For more information, head to atthebathhouse.com.au