Concept plans for $40m indoor aquatic facility released

A key component of the $55m North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is taking shape. More details about the facility have been released. See the plans and progress.

North Bellarine Aquatic Centre stage 2 (Drysdale pool) concept plan.

Concept plans for the $40.3m second stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre at Drysdale have been released.

The plan, developed after council consulted a community working group between March and July, show a 450sq m eight-lane 25m indoor pool, a 245sq m warm water indoor pool, a 410sq m gym and group fitness studios.

The facility part of the $55m project — that includes a $15.5m outdoor component which is nearing completion — is due to be built at Peninsula Drive.

The first stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre in Drysdale. Picture: Alan Barber

Consultant Sport and Leisure Solutions estimated once complete the health and fitness

component of the development would generate $600,000 per year, and a learn to swim program held at the facility would make $700,000 annually.

“Both areas will work to offset the operating deficit that the outdoor and indoor

pools will generate,” a council report notes.

“The detailed design options will consider opportunities for emissions reduction and

outline opportunities regarding reducing energy consumption (electricity, gas and fuel);

emissions; water use; stormwater quality; and waste generation.”

It is not clear when the indoor facility will be completed.

A council report did not refer to aqua play and hydrotherapy facilities that were initial proposed when the project was split into two stages.

City of Greater Geelong councillors will be asked to tick off on the concept plans at a meeting on Tuesday.

Both the state and federal government have pledged $20m each to the project.

Council said it would make up the $300,000 shortfall by managing costs during detailed design; reducing delivery time to avoid cost escalations; and finding funding through internal capital project efficiency and prioritisation.

Stage 1 of the project, a $15.5m outdoor 50m pool and associated facilities, is due to be complete this year.

The 50m pool looking towards Clifton Springs and the bay. Picture: Alan Barber

The 50m pool was recently filled. The facility will also include an all abilities change area,

entry pavilion, kiosk, tiered covered seating, and 60 parking spaces.

Speaking about stage 1, Geelong council mayor Trent Sullivan said: “This new aquatic centre means residents of the surrounding Bellarine community will no longer have to travel to Geelong to access a 50-metre pool. We’re bringing the joy of swimming right to their doorstep.”

An independent study in March 2020 found Drysdale, Curlewis, Portarlington, St Leonards ad Indented Head had lesser access to aquatic facilities than elsewhere in Greater Geelong, council said.

Construction on the $61.6m Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane is due to be completed next year.

That facility will include a learn to swim pool, hydrotherapy pool, a 25m lap pool, a community hall with audio-visual features, consulting areas and a water play area for children.

Originally published as Concept plans for $40m indoor aquatic facility released