Surf Coast Shire Council is moving towards a call for tenders for construction of the $46-million Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre.
Council resolved at a Special Meeting on 8 August to endorse detailed designs for the Torquay North centre, which will include a 25-metre indoor pool, 20×10-metre indoor program pool, gym, allied health suites and program spaces.
Design has included focus on accessibility, and balancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency with positive user experience and aesthetics.
Pools will have ramp access, fully accessible change spaces are provided throughout and the centre will have Changing Places toilet facilities for people with high physical needs.
Environmentally sustainable and energy efficient design elements will include:
- All-electric power, supported by maximum rooftop solar array.
- Lower pool hall ceiling heights – up to 7m, compared with 11m or higher at similar aquatic centres.
- Low profile glazing and no skylights.
- Minimal heat transfer between internal spaces.
- 100% rainwater retention and re-use.
These measures reflect a major theme in the Council Plan to demonstrate environmental leadership and strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of Climate Change.
The centre will adjoin and open into Wurdi Baierr Stadium via a single entrance on the southern side of the building.
Connections off the Surf Coast Highway will provide car park access and exit, and connections with existing paths will encourage active transport.
“We are proud and excited to have reached this point and look forward to having tenders received by the end of December and a contract awarded by the end of April 2024,” Mayor Liz Pattison said.
“We are aiming for completion early in 2026, bringing our community and visitors a health and wellbeing asset for all – from learn-to-swimmers to older adults, people with disability, families, lap swimmers and everyone in-between.
“We recognise that this facility has been a long-held ambition. Our detailed design has taken into consideration feedback and inputs gathered through the design process and we thank community members and particularly our Community Reference Group for their insights and sustained commitment to the project.
“We also acknowledge the significant support of Australian Government, with funding of $20 million, and the Victorian Government’s contribution of $13 million.”
A further $3.5 million grant from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund will contribute to Community Wellbeing Spaces within the centre, and $180,000 from the Victorian Government will support provision of the Changing Places facility.
Council will contribute up to $9.32 million to the project, subject to receiving any further external funding.
