Surf Coast's aquatic centre to go to tender

THE Surf Coast Shire has finalised the design of Torquay’s long-awaited pool, with the shire announcing today (Wednesday, December 20) it expected to put the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre out to tender with a shortlist of construction companies next month.

Construction on the project is scheduled to start mid-next year and finish during 2026.

There will be no viewing into the pool halls from other internal spaces to reduce heat loss.

The $46 million centre will be integrated with Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay North and include:

Indoor 25-metre pool
Indoor warm water program/Learn to Swim pool
First floor gym with neighbouring multi-use community program spaces for group fitness classes
Allied health suites close to the program pool, enabling patrons to have easy access to health professionals and health, fitness and rehabilitation facilities
Café, gathering spaces, community meeting room and office spaces
Changing Places facility for people with disability and high support needs, and
New car parking area.

“With start of construction now on the horizon we look forward with pride and excitement to seeing the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre providing Learn to Swim, leisure, fitness, rehabilitation and social options for people from across our community for decades to come,” Cr Rose Hodge said today.

The centre’s facilities will include a cafe, seen here.

“Integrating with Wurdi Baierr Stadium, it will become an invaluable hub for wellbeing, water safety, recreation and social connections.

“And importantly the centre will demonstrate a strong focus on environmentally sustainable design, including all-electric operation supported by an extensive rooftop solar system.”

The pool halls will have limited, low-profile glazing, low ceiling heights and no skylights to maximise energy efficiency, 100 per cent rainwater retention and re-use within the centre, and no viewing into the pool halls from other internal spaces to reduce heat loss.

Connections with the Surf Coast Highway will provide car park access and exit, and connections with existing bike and walking paths will encourage active transport.

To see a video walk-through of renders of the centre, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SurfCoastAquaticAndHealthCentre