Yarra riverfront plan for pool, wetlands at Enterprize Park

This forgotten pocket of the Yarra River looks completely different in a radical design concept unveiled this week, with an Olympic-size swimming pool among the features. But would you swim there?

This forgotten pocket along the Yarra River could be transformed into a pool. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A radical design concept has been unveiled for a 50m pool, wetlands and cafe by the Yarra River at Enterprize Park.

The artist impressions, released by Melbourne architects Wowowa and Yarra Pools, show the potential transformation of a forgotten part of the city.

Yarra riverkeeper Andrew Kelly has already backed the idea.

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“It turns an underloved part of the river into a magnet for people,’’ he said.

The plans, first featured in Hong Kong’s Business of Design Week 2018, also propose community pavilions and a kayak-launching spot.

The proposal suggests that the location could attract 350,000 people a year for swimming alone.

Yarra Pools president Michael O’Neill said the design render was the culmination of two years of research into what Melburnians want.

Design concept to build a 50m pool, wetlands and cafe by the Yarra at Enterprize Park released by Melbourne architects Wowowa and Yarra Pools. Picture: Wowowa

The plan would need the approval of both the City of Melbourne and the state government. Picture: Wowowa

“We now need key decision makers to get behind the project.

“The feasibility work is showing us that there is a definite need for a facility like this which will also tackle the well known urban design challenges around the north bank.”

The plan would need the approval of both the City of Melbourne and the state government.

Aerial view of the concept for a 50m pool, wetlands and cafe next to Sealife Aquarium. Picture: Wowowa

Yarra Pools last year proposed a pool on a floating pontoon in a similar riverside location. A funding application for $175,000 was later rejected by the council.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council was working with businesses and other stakeholders to better connect the river to the city and people.

“The Yarra pool concept is ambitious and we’re keen to find out more before offering our support to the concept,’’ Cr Capp said.

“There are a number of issues that need to be considered before determining whether it is feasible, both logistically and from a business case perspective.

“This includes whether a pool would be technically feasible at this location, due to a number of potential constraints at the site.”

During the state election campaign, the Greens offered a $34 million proposal to make the Yarra River swimmable on the central and inner reaches.

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@IanRoyall