Why there’s a push to revive Yarra Pools proposal for Enterprize Park
A bold plan to build a lap pool, and launching points for kayaking and other activities at Enterprize Park could become a key project as Melbourne begins its post-coronavirus recovery.
Victoria
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A plan to build a pool and wetlands on the CBD waterfront has been revived as an ideal post-coronavirus project.
Yarra Pools, which would be located at Enterprize Park, has been short-listed for an architectural prize.
Lord mayoral candidate Jennifer Yang has pledged to advance the project if elected, while other candidates are showing varying degrees of support.
It would need at least $50m of public and private funding for the main pool.
Designed by WOWOWA Architecture, Yarra Pools is among 40 national projects vying for Architecture Media’s 2020 AA Prize for Unbuilt Work.
The concept includes a 50m lap pool separated from the river, wetlands, and launching points for kayaking and other activities.
Yarra Pools president Felicity Watson is urging the city council and state government to step up now.
“We believe the project is feasible, and could be a key driver in the revitalisation of the city post-COVID-19, bringing people back to the CBD and providing a much-needed facility for local residents,” she said.
Back to Business team candidate Ms Yang strongly backed the idea as jobs-creating and tourism boosting.
“We see the Yarra Pools as a vital community infrastructure project that council and state government should do everything possible to realise,” she said.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said it was the sort of confidence-building project the city needed.
“I support the concept, and if I am re-elected, I would be happy to receive a full, costed business case proposal from Yarra Pools,” she said.
Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood`said he would support a business case for the project, as he’d done before.
“But the priority needs to be direct support to our small businesses to meet the economic challenges of COVID,” he said.
City councillor and Morgan-Watts election team member Jackie Watts said Docklands would be a more suitable location.
“It will bring the community to the area, whereas Enterprize Park is already part of the CBD and is already on a maritime trail between Birrarung Marr and Docklands,” she said.
ALP lord mayoral candidate Phil Reed said the idea had merit, but he questioned the location and funding source.
“Ultimately these projects have to be driven by private sector investment,” he said.
Greens’ lead councillor candidate Rohan Leppert said it was a wonderful idea but best location was an issue.
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