Gym, learn to swim pools, 25m outdoor pool expected at Torquay aquatic centre
A looming shortfall of places in learn to swim classes on the Surf Coast is due to be plugged by a planned aquatic centre at Torquay. See the designs.
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A $46.8 million aquatic and health centre due to be built at Torquay has won a $3 million injection from the state government.
It is expected to include two warm water indoor pools for learn-to-swim classes and a 25m outdoor pool which could be enclosed in the future.
The facility to be built near Wurdi Baierr Stadium is also expected to include a gym, community spaces, cafe and allied health suites.
Surf Coast council estimates the project could be complete by 2025.
The state government’s allocation to the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre will lift its overall commitment to the project to $16.5m.
But the project is still short of more than $4m after previous commitments from Surf Coast council ($5.75m) and the former federal government ($20m).
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said: “This is an exciting project for Torquay and the Surf Coast – it will provide our community with a world-class aquatic and health centre that has something for everyone.”
This year Surf Coast council voted to downsize the project from a 50m indoor pool to a 25m outdoor pool because it was faced with rising construction costs of “$300,000 per month.”
On its website Surf Coast council said extra government funding for the project could determine if the project proceeded with a 50m outdoor pool.
“The additional funding we may be able to secure from the state and federal governments, will determine whether the rescoped project includes a 25 metre or 50 metre outdoor pool,” the council webpage reads.
“We are pursuing government funding opportunities including the potential for the centre to serve as a Commonwealth Games training venue.
“We’re doing all we can to deliver an aquatic and health centre because we know it’s been a long held community ambition.
“We know there are already more than 1000 children that will need a local, learn-to-swim option when the privately run Torquay swim school closes at the end of the year and this number will only increase into the future.”
The project is currently in planning phase, and council want to release the final designs for the project and confirm its cost by the end of the year.
The state government said the centre would require 226 construction workers to complete and offer 31 ongoing jobs.
The government’s money for the project is not an election commitment but part of general government spending through its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
Regional development minister Harriet Shing said: “The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is part of our record investment to help communities to grow – the 38 new projects we are funding will create jobs and fantastic facilities for regional and rural Victoria.”
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Originally published as Gym, learn to swim pools, 25m outdoor pool expected at Torquay aquatic centre