Surf Coast Shire Council will consider changing scope for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre to include an indoor 25-metre pool.
A report to be considered at Council’s meeting on 28 February outlines a shift in dynamics surrounding the project with the creation of a new Commonwealth Games aquatic facility at Armstrong Creek.
The Victorian Government has announced that a ‘community pool facility’ will remain as a legacy asset from the 2026 Games.
Expert industry research indicates that use of that facility will impact patronage of the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre.
The growth areas of Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed had been anticipated as key catchments for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre.
“These Commonwealth Games announcements, and our research findings mean that the landscape has changed considerably since Council approved existing plans for the SCAHC in June,” Mayor Liz Pattison said.
“Early modelling indicates that the Armstrong Creek centre would reduce our catchment and demand, particularly for activities like Learn to Swim, warm water exercise and hydrotherapy, impacting our visitation and revenue.
“We said late last year that we would need to seek better understanding of how the two centres might be able to complement each other, and how the Armstrong Creek centre might influence our project.
“Expert industry research has provided us with better perspective and a report will go to our 28 February Council meeting for consideration, putting forward options including changing the scope of our project.”
Existing plans for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre include two indoor warm water pools for learn to swim, warm water exercise and hydrotherapy, and a 25-metre outdoor pool intended to be enclosed as soon as feasible, along with allied health suites, program spaces, a gym and supporting amenities.
An alternate scope option being considered includes an indoor 25-metre lap pool and one 20×10-metre indoor warm water pool which can be programmed for learn to swim, exercise and hydrotherapy, with option for addition of a further indoor learn to swim pool.
This option includes the same overall components, but re-prioritises and alters the sequencing of delivery to better meet the needs of our community given the impact of an Armstrong Creek community pool facility.
Council is continuing to seek funding to bridge a $3.57 funding shortfall for the project.
