The Andrews Labor Government is powering ahead with building Geelong's two new purpose-built venues for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, with designers now appointed to lead design works.
Thanks to a Labor Government investment of up to $292 million, the multi-sport venues will support growing local communities in and around Armstrong Creek and Waurn Ponds following the Commonwealth Games.
Leading architecture firm Warren and Mahoney has partnered with Geelong's own Four18 Architecture as design consultants on the Armstrong Creek Aquatics venue, which will host Swimming, Para Swimming and Diving.
The Aquatics venue on Barwarre Road will boast three pools during the Commonwealth Games including competition, warm up and diving pools.
The Armstrong Creek venue will feature multi-sport courts, a community pool and green open space after the Commonwealth Games are finished.
Australian firm ARM Architecture has been appointed to lead the design of the Gymnastics, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting venue on Baanip Boulevard in Waurn Ponds.
After the Closing Ceremony, the Waurn Ponds venue will feature multi-sport courts, a dance studio and a regional-level gymnastics centre.
Work on the design of both venues will commence immediately and local communities will start to see activity on both sites over the coming months as site investigations get underway.
Geelong will be home to nine sports for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the Games village at Waurn Ponds Station Precinct set to host about 2,500 athletes and officials, while Kardinia Park will host the Closing Ceremony with 40,000 spectators.
It is estimated the Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria's economy, creating more than 7,500 jobs before, during and after the Games.
As stated by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Games Darren Cheeseman
"We're delivering world-class sporting venues in Armstrong Creek and Waurn Ponds that local communities will enjoy for generations."
As stated by Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery Jacinta Allan
"Around a hundred thousand people will come to Geelong for Victoria 2026, and we're investing in world-class sporting infrastructure that will benefit not only Games delivery but the community for years to come."
As stated by Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Harriet Shing
"The 2026 Games will create jobs in Geelong, driving economic growth and an enduring legacy of accessible, inclusive and fit-for-purpose housing and community infrastructure."
