The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a draft concept plan to redevelop the former Municipal Baths located next to the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre and is now calling for feedback from the community until September 21, 2020.
City of Greater Bendigo Parks and Open Space Manager Paul Gangell said the area is currently not accessible to the public and the project will ultimately see the site renewed and reopened for community use.
“The Municipal Baths were constructed in 1912/13 on the site of an existing dam as Bendigo’s primary location for swimming and bathing until the development of the adjacent Faith Leech Aquatic Centre in the 1950s,” Mr Gangell said.
“Originally more than twice its current size the former Municipal Baths facility once featured change rooms, training infrastructure, jetties and a grandstand. Over time, the old infrastructure was removed and the site fenced off to the public in the 1980s.
“The draft concept plan references the history of the site by including a shelter that sits on the approximate footprint of the former change rooms and grand stand site. In addition, it recommends a deck structure on the southern end which pays homage to the historic jetty structures.
“The redevelopment of the site is a key action of the Rosalind Park Masterplan developed in 2014 which recommends opening up and restoring the site for the use and enjoyment of the wider community.”
The draft concept plan recommends the following works take place at the site:
- Removal of perimeter fencing.
- Relocation of the Ibis and removal of the island under the guidance of the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning.
- Construction of a loop walking path and installation of a board walk on the eastern side of the water body.
- Access to shallow water via deck areas and low walls.
- Construction of a larger shelter/BBQ/water play area on the Barnard Street side of the water body.
- Construction of a smaller shelter at the Gaol Road end of the water body.
- Installation of a terraced seating amphitheatre on the northern side of the water body.
- Installation of irrigated lawn areas.
Residents can view the draft concept plan on https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/municipalbaths and provide any comments they may have up until 5pm on Monday September 21, 2020 by emailing [email protected]
