Torquay pool budget exceeds $52m, Armstrong Creek’s canned

Funding from the canned Armstrong Creek pool will be redirected to the ever-increasing budget of the Surf Coast Health and Aquatic Centre, amid project cost-blowouts.

New concept plans for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre have been released.

Funding for a canned Armstrong Creek aquatic facility has been redirected to a mega million-dollar Torquay project that has already suffered numerous cost blowouts.

The state government announced on Thursday it would fund stage two of the Surf Coast Health and Aquatic Centre, in addition to the $16.6m it has already given to the project, by redirecting funds initially earmarked for the canned Armstrong Creek pool from its multi-sport centre, after council was reportedly unwilling to operate an aquatics facility.

The state government has promised to fully fund stage two of the Surf Coast’s centre, including a dedicated indoor Learn to Swim pool, splash park, spa room, sauna, steam room and change rooms.

The funds would add to the project’s already $52m budget, which increased again in August when the council voted to expand its borrowing capacity for the project to $6m.

The expanded borrowing was on top of the $46,341,054 (excluding GST) contract given to Kane Constructions to build the centre, which will adjoin Wurdi Baierr Stadium.

Surf Coast Mayor Liz Pattison said the amount to fully fund stage two was not yet known but confirmed the Victorian government was making this funding commitment on top of the amount it had already invested in the centre.

“These stage two components will greatly enhance our stage one amenities and the year-round appeal of the centre,” she said.

She said the funding would enable the addition of a dedicated Learn to Swim pool which would help ensure that generations of kids could safely acquire lifelong skills and knowledge to be safe around water.

“It will also significantly add value to our stage one warm water program pool by easing programming pressures and increasing capacity for important rehabilitation sessions or exercise classes,” she said.

Updated renders of the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre (03/10/23). Planning application lodged.

The project’s $52m stage one budget includes $20m from the Australian Government, $16.68m from the Victorian government, $2.269m through interest on grant funding invested back into the project, $7.85m committed by council, and a potential $6m from council’s borrowing capacity.

A Victorian government spokesman said the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre was part of an almost $250 million investment in sports facilities in the Geelong and Surf Coast region.

“The project is part of the Allan Labor Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program which includes 16 sporting infrastructure projects across the state,” he said.

In 2020, the pool was estimated to cost $38m, with then-Torquay ward councillor, Brian McKiterick, calling it a “golden opportunity” to “receive a pool for $38 million with not one cent from anybody in our community.”

Initially designs included a 50m indoor pool, but were downsized in 2022 due to escalating costs.

The centre is now expected to include two indoor warm water pools a gym, spaces for exercise classes, allied health suites and cafe.

Stage one of works are expected to start in late October and be completed in 2026.

Originally published as Torquay pool budget exceeds $52m, Armstrong Creek’s canned