Construction of the new Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane has reached an important milestone, with the 25-metre, warm water and leisure pools all passing their hydrostatic tests to confirm they are watertight.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken and Councillor Kylie Grzybek visited the site with recently elected Member for Lara Ella George this week to view the progress of the $65.6 million facility.
Alongside the fully formed pools, significant structures such as the gym and multi-purpose community hall have also started to rise from the ground in recent months.
The facility, which will replace the loved but ageing Waterworld Leisure Centre at the same location, is being funded in a partnership between the Council ($48.84 million), Victorian Government ($8.5 million) and Australian Government ($8.26 million).
Council increased its contribution by $4 million through its 2022-23 budget to convert the facility from gas to electricity, enabling it to be powered entirely by renewable energy.
Construction of the hub started in February 2022 and is expected to be complete early in 2024.
Members of the community can follow the progress of the construction through viewing portals cut into the fencing surrounding the site on the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway.
The City has released images showing what the facility will look like once finished.
The 3D architects’ renders depict the main features, including the:
- Lap pool and waterslides;
- Warm water pool, spa and steam room;
- Learn to swim pool;
- Mezzanine level gym overlooking the aquatic facilities;
- Multi-purpose community performance hall;
- Childcare facilities; and
- Extensive landscaped outdoor public open space areas.
The new images, as well as monthly progress updates from builders Kane Constructions, are available at our Northern Aquatic and Community Hub page.
The Hononrable Richard Marles MP – Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio
The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is a project which I have supported since its inception.
The Australian Government is proudly investing $8.26 million in this project which will make a huge difference to the people of the northern suburbs of Geelong.
Deputy Mayor Aitken
It is exciting to see the Council’s long-held vision taking shape.
This is a facility we have worked so hard to make a reality and it is amazing to see it starting to come to life.
The build is at a point now where you can start to imagine what it will look like once it’s finished.
It’s going to be a facility which will bring great pride to our northern suburbs. With a magnificent new community events venue, a health and aquatics wellbeing precinct, and a place everyone in Greater Geelong can enjoy and use.
The Council has made a huge investment and we are so thankful to the state and federal governments for their contributions.
Councillor Grzybek
It is great to get a glimpse of what the community could look forward to.
This is going to be a special place for the community in Geelong’s northern suburbs and right across our region.
We’re building something modern and genuinely exciting. The progress on site at the moment provides a good sense of what’s to come, but we really can’t wait to see the finished product.
Ms George
I am proud that the Victorian Government has provided $8.5 million to make the project a reality.
It was great to visit the site of the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub to see the progress made since we turned the sod at the start of 2022.
The northern suburbs deserve modern and accessible recreation and health facilities – that’s exactly what the NACH will be.
