Northern ARC plans opened for comment

THE Northern ARC Health and Wellbeing Hub is set to be the biggest capital project build in the City of Greater Geelong’s history, and the community has been invited to give feedback on the concept plans.

Providing a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing precinct for the city’s northern suburbs, the proposed $61 million hub on the site where Waterworld now operates will be co-located with the new $33 million Barwon Health North facility.

Following the master plan and a detailed business case, concept plans for the interior of Northern ARC are now being developed and the city is seeking public comment.

The project is forecast to create 111 local jobs during construction and inject $67 million into the local economy. Once open, it is expected to host 600,000 visits each year.

It will include an aquatics area including three pools and water-play facilities, waterslides, gymnasium and program rooms, consulting rooms, a café, creche/occasional care facilities, and a multipurpose hall space.

The City of Greater Geelong has pledged $20.6 million towards the Northern ARC, and is seeking matching contributions from both the state and federal governments.

A community engagement session where plans are available for inspection and the project team available for questions and to take feedback was held on Tuesday, and another will be held on Saturday, August 18 at the Corio Central Shopping Centre from 10am-noon.

“Building a world-class preventative health facility in the northern suburbs is a priority project for Council. Our largest ever capital works contribution of $20.6 million reflects this,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“We encourage the community to have their say on the Northern ARC Health and Wellbeing Hub and anticipate that significant community support will also encourage state and federal government funding to see this project through to completion.”

For more information, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay or phone the project manager on 5272 4328.