Public slams ‘ridiculous’ multimillion-dollar Mernda Aquatic Centre plans
Mernda residents have slammed plans for a $48 million aquatic centre with no 50m pool, likening it to a pub with no beer.
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Mernda swimmers say that a decision to not include a 50m lap pool in plans for an aquatic centre is “ridiculous” and like “having a pub with no beer”.
Whittlesea Council last week voted to explore two options for an aquatic centre between Erskine Rd and Everton Dr, Mernda.
A $47.4 million option would include a 300sq m warm water exercise pool, 350sq m water play area, 200sq m teaching pool, gymnasium, spa, steam and sauna and health consult rooms.
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The alternative $48.7 million option would include a 25m eight-lane pool, 170sq m warm water pool, 290sq m water play area, 100sq m teaching pool, gymnasium and two steam and sauna rooms.
The proposals were heard at the same meeting in which the long delayed Mernda Town Centre was finally given the green light.
But the decision to not include a 50m lap pool in either option, or an estimate of the cost of one, has angered hundreds of residents.
People took to social media to air their frustrations, with many questioning whether the proposals were a joke.
Sue Meers said the current proposals could inspire a song similar to ‘The pub with no beer’.
“But it would be ‘The pool with no water!,” Ms Meers said.
The proposals were also slammed by Swimming Victoria Metro North vice president Pierre Apap.
Mr Apap said neither option offered a “viable pool” for the community.
“With a 25m pool you may as well not have a pool,” Mr Apap said.
“On a hot day people would be crammed in like sardines in a can, it’s ridiculous.”
Mr Apap said a 50m pool with a removable boom would enable the centre to be used for competition swimmers, which would “double” the $50,000 to $150,000 estimated annual net performance generated by a centre with a 25m, eight-lane pool.
A poll on the Mernda Residents Notice Board Facebook page showed 609 people out of 850 respondents were in favour of a 50m indoor lap pool.
The two proposals were backed by the majority of councillors, with only Cr Alahna Desiato voting against them and councillors Kirkham and Caz Monteleone choosing to abstain.
Cr Tom Joseph said it would be “good” to include a 50m pool, but the council could not afford it.
A report by Whittlesea Council manager of leisure and community facilities Ben Waterhouse said during the consultation period industry leaders were asked which aquatic space they would reduce or eliminate if significant savings were required.
“The unanimous response was the 25m pool,” Mr Waterhouse said.
Proposals for the $47.4 million centre and the $48.7 million will be presented to the council at a later date.
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