The City of Greater Geelong Council has approved the eagerly anticipated Stage Two concept designs for a state-of-the-art indoor aquatic centre that will complement the near-complete Stage One outdoor 50-metre pool at the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre in Drysdale.
The concept design was developed in partnership with a 12-member Community Advisory Panel representing a cross-section of the local community with a balanced mix of interests, gender, and diverse backgrounds.
Members on the panel included representatives from nearby schools and community/sporting clubs, as well as people with specialist swimming or aquatics expertise and people with disability.
Council, Federal and State government representatives wish to thank the North Bellarine Stage Two Community Advisory Panel, who unanimously supported the concept design, for their contributions during the design phase.
Nine different concepts were developed by Mantric Architecture, with the Community Advisory Panel unanimously endorsing the final scenario.
Features of the approved Stage Two indoor concept design include:
- Eight-lane 25-metre pool
- Warm water pool
- Café and social space
- Gymnasium and group exercise studio/s
- Changing places changeroom
- Various associated facilities
The Victorian and Australian governments will each contribute $20 million in funding, while it is proposed the Council provide up to $300,000 for additional capital expenses.
With the concept design now fully approved by Council, the next stage of the project will be detailed design, where the concept design is refined and fully detailed to meet project requirements.
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP:
The advocacy of the North Bellarine community has been a driving force behind the stage two project since its inception in 2019.
The community has fought for many years for this indoor aquatic facility.
It all started with forums and a survey to hear what the community wanted – this led to the formation of the advisory panel.
I’d like to congratulate the advisory panel for sticking to their guns to deliver plans for an 8-lane 25 metre indoor pool and a warm water pool for lap swimming and learn to swim – this will be a vital piece of infrastructure for the community on the North Bellarine to enjoy for years to come.
State Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant MP:
When we listen to community and put them at the heart of decision making, better outcomes are achieved.
I’d like to congratulate the Community Advisory Committee for their work in representing the views of the broader community, while ensuring Stage Two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is designed to cater for the needs of our communities.
I thank them for their dedication and commitment to this project, to ensure we will have a facility that our community can now be proud of.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
I would like to acknowledge the valuable role of the Community Advisory Panel in shaping the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Stage Two concept design.
The process of developing the Stage Two concept design was well-considered and inclusive.
I also extend my sincere gratitude to both the state and federal governments for the significant funding they are providing.
North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Stage Two Community Advisory Panel spokesperson Gina Bell:
Panel members appreciated the opportunity to be involved in the concept design process for stage two.
We believe the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will provide opportunities for community participation in sport, promote healthy lifestyles, as well as support the sporting and community clubs.
We unanimously supported the final concept scenario presented to Geelong City Council at its July 2023 meeting.
Bellarine Ward Councillor Stephanie Asher:
The inclusion of an indoor facility will complement the near-complete Stage One outdoor 50-metre pool.
The panel carefully considered the design to ensure it caters to the needs of the entire community. I thank the panel members for their time and contributions which helped us reach this wonderful outcome.
From infants learning to swim, to seniors and people with disabilities accessing rehabilitation and water exercise programs, when both stages of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre are complete there will be something for everyone.
Bellarine Ward Councillor Jim Mason:
There has been a lot of work go into this design and the panel should be commended for its input throughout the process.
Members of the North Bellarine community, and indeed those from across Greater Geelong, will benefit from this pool for many years to come.
Work on North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Stage One began in May 2022, with final steps currently being made before it opens to the public later this year.
Stage One received $10 million in funding from the Australian Government and an additional $5.5 million from Council for the construction of an outdoor 50-metre, eight-lane heated pool, accessible and changing places change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, as well as significant civil and landscaping works.
The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre project has expanded into the northern end of the sports precinct with its own access road off Peninsula Drive.
