Winchelsea Pool’s $4.3 million upgrade plans revealed

THE Surf Coast Shire has revealed updated designs of the $4.3 million Winchelsea Pool upgrade, influenced by input from almost 300 community members.

Construction is currently under way after the redevelopment contract was awarded to Bowden Corporation in June.

Demolition and removal of the existing pools, pump house, amenities, shade structures and concrete concourses are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Throughout 2024, the 25-metre pool as well as leisure pools will be constructed, alongside the renewal of courtyards, pool surrounds, and drainage systems.

Shire general manager of community life Gail Gatt said the shire was excited to be progressing this project, which would bring great benefits for the Winchelsea community and the surrounding area.

“The redevelopment has been guided by a comprehensive community engagement process, which ran between November 2021 and March 2022,” Ms Gatt said.

“The engagement aimed to identify the community’s future aquatic needs and how to encourage greater use of the facilities.”

A new plant room and amenities building, equipped with a kiosk, first aid function, and office are also being constructed.

A significant aspect of the redevelopment is the introduction of a “zero-depth” splash park, which will be positioned between the amenities building and the leisure pool.

“The preferred option was tested with the community and a final concept design included replicating the main pool, enlarging the leisure pool and adding a zero-depth splash park,” Ms Gatt said.

The community are invited to provide feedback on the design of the splash park and vote on one of three shortlisted designs.

“The pools will be heated to provide a consistent temperature, and the facility will be all-electric to further reduce Council’s carbon footprint,” Ms Gatt said.

All works are expected to be completed by the summer of 2024-25.

Ms Gatt said the length of the pool season was still to be determined, based on key factors including water temperature and operational costs.

Winchelsea Swimming Pool has been closed since March 2023.