City of Greater Geelong Councillors have awarded Kane Constructions Pty Ltd the contract to construct stage one of the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre, with work on the $15.5 million project getting underway in the New Year.
The North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a staged project beginning with the delivery of the $15.5 million outdoor 50-metre pool jointly funded by the Australian Government and the City of Greater Geelong.
Awarding the tender to construct eight lane outdoor heated pool is a significant milestone for the local community, with an opening expected in late 2022 or early 2023.
The design of the stage 1 outdoor facility incorporated community feedback and was completed by Mantric Architecture in September 2021.
The design features all abilities change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, tiered covered seating, a landscaped community lawn area with umbrellas, more than 100 trees, and carparking for 60 cars.
A scoping study showed the outdoor facility is expected to be visited by more than 34,000 people each year. Usage of the outdoor pool will grow steadily, with the population of the Bellarine Peninsula forecast to grow by 40 per cent to approximately 70,000 residents by 2041.
Community members are encouraged to also provide feedback on the proposal for a complementary indoor facility. Feedback on the stage 2 proposal closes on Tuesday 4 January 2021.
Sarah Henderson – Victorian Senator
In partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, the Morrison Government is focused on getting thing done and delivering for our community. Congratulations to Kane Constructions on being awarded the construction tender. Supported by $10 million from the Morrison Government, I am delighted that construction of stage 1 of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will soon be underway.
The 50-metre outdoor heated pool will be a wonderful asset for local residents, including thousands of students who attend local schools.
Councillor Stephanie Asher – Mayor
Kane are experienced contractors and offer good value for money to deliver this long-awaited facility.
For too long the Bellarine community has had less access to aquatic facilities than other areas of Greater Geelong, so we’re thrilled that construction can get underway in the New Year.
Kane will use local sub-contractors and source a large proportion of goods and services through local businesses.
Councillor Trent Sullivan – Deputy Mayor
We encourage everyone to provide feedback via our ‘Have Your Say’ page so we can keep working to secure funding to construct an indoor pool.
The proposed indoor facilities in stage 2 feature a spa, sauna and steam room would particularly support the health and wellbeing of senior residents and people with disabilities.
Geoff Purcell – Kane Constructions Director
We are thrilled that we have been selected to deliver this important facility for the Bellarine community. Many of our staff, subcontractors and suppliers reside within the Bellarine Peninsula and are looking forward to not only constructing the new Aquatic Centre, but also becoming end users.
