Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre redeveloped under $60m plan

A RUNDOWN pool in Melbourne’s inner north will undergo a major redevelopment worth up to $60 million.

THE rundown Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) will undergo a major redevelopment worth up to $60 million.

Eight pools, an outdoor leisure area, play park, fitness centre and a therapy pool have been flagged for the new centre.

Under the plans the centre would be demolished and rebuilt.

CALLS FOR POOL MAKE WAVES

STORM OVER POOL POST

An independent report found it was unfeasible to refurbish the facility built in 1968.

It noted recommended maintenance could cost more than $3 million over the next decade.

Technical studies and designs are set to start shortly and a report exploring funding options will be presented to Darebin Council in December.

Councillor Trent McCarthy said NARC had a “very bright” future but needed planning and investment to continue servicing the municipality.

“There’s no doubt among council I think and certainly in the community as well that it’s a centre that is much loved and also needs some love,” he said.

Darebin Mayor Kim Le Cerf had previously said both the Northcote and Reservoir aquatic centres were reaching their use-by dates.

CALLS FOR RESERVOIR LEISURE CENTRE TO SECURE FUNDING

Darebin Ratepayers Association president Anne Laver said while the funding commitment for NARC was welcomed she hoped the Reservoir Leisure Centre would get a similar upgrade.

“Definitely they should rebuild it because it’s in poor condition, but they should also rebuild Reservoir which is just as bad if not worse,” she said.

The council will continue to call on the State Government for an investment package, seeking $50 million to help cover upgrades to the NARC, the Reservoir Leisure Centre and a multi-sport stadium in Thornbury.

But Cr Tim Laurence said he was worried about the rise of “white elephants” and the council could have about $90 million locked up in the NARC and multi-sport stadium projects.

The council has committed $33 million to the stadium at John Cain Memorial Park regardless of government assistance.

Cr Gaetano Greco said he was concerned there wouldn’t be money left for the Reservoir Leisure Centre.

A report will be tabled at the council next year over the future of Reservoir Leisure Centre, which is expected to receive a major facelift.

NARC will be operational during construction and is scheduled to be complete by early 2023.

MORE NEWS:

SKY RAIL FOR RESERVOIR CROSSING

MAYOR FACES BULLYING ALLEGATIONS

MAN LEFT FOR DEAD IN HIT AND RUN