Geelong sporting complex set for major shake up that includes the removal of two basketball courts

The public can have their say on plans to modernise a longstanding sports stadium in South Geelong.

A sports hub in South Geelong is looking to undertake a major upgrade. Photo: Facebook.

A $4m revamp of a Geelong sporting complex will see two basketball courts replaced with a 24-hour gym, swim school and health spa.

The 11,300sq metre Geelong Sports Hub in Crown St, South Geelong, has a long history, having played home to volleyball, basketball and netball competitions for more than two decades.

Located in an industrial zone just off Fyans St behind Regional Roads Victoria, Geelong council has put the plans out for public consultation.

“The site is occupied by a large industrial style shed which has altered over time to cater for the indoor sporting facility and its expanding activities,” the plans state.

Under the plans, the seven beach volleyball courts would remain, while the number of courts would go from six to four.

A six-lane swimming pool and accompanying children’s pool would be constructed within the existing building for the primary purpose of learn to swim and assisted swimming programs between 6am and 9pm seven days a week.

The maximum capacity for the swim school would be 50 people at any one time.

A proposed 24/7 gym would be adjacent to the pool area and be accessed via a swipe pass for up to 30 people at a time.

“Typically, the proposed use of a gym and swim school are best suited to the context of the subject site, being an industrial setting, which does not encourage heavy and intensive industrial land uses, particularly due to the proximity of residential land to the northeast,” the plans state.

A 450sq metre office area would be located on a mezzanine level above the pool and include storage and toilet facilities.

The health spa would open seven days a week and incorporate a plunge pool and steam rooms.

Services such as physiotherapy, myotherapy and cryotherapy would also be offered.

“The use of a wellness centre (health spa) is aimed to cater for patrons of the sporting/recreation uses on site which offer sporting related physio and treatments which align with the primary use of the site being an indoor recreation facility,” the plans state.

An elevated balcony area along the northern facade adjacent to the existing bar area is also proposed.

The Geelong Sports Hub website promotes the venue as “the prime destination for sports clubs, tournaments and competitions”.

It also highlights its focus on junior sports, including a variety of clinics.

Public submissions close November 2.

Originally published as Geelong sporting complex set for major shake up that includes the removal of two basketball courts