Construction of the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane is complete, paving the way for the highly anticipated facility to open next month.
The $65.6 million aquatic and community centre will open to the public on 19 February, with memberships now on sale.
In the lead-up to the public opening date, a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place with government funding partners on Friday 9 February, with the Webstar's Swim School Program to begin on Monday 12 February.
Kane Constructions achieved practical completion of the complex in the days before Christmas, handing over to the City's Swim, Sport and Leisure team to ready the facility for opening.
The City's opening preparations, which are well underway, include recruitment, induction and training of around 250 employees, installation of health club and other equipment, and securing providers for the on-site café and health consulting suites.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
This is an exciting day for the whole community, especially for residents in our northern suburbs who have looked forward to this moment for a long time.A lot of hard work has gone in to making this dream a reality, and the end result is going to be incredible.
Thank you to our state and federal government funding partners who have made such important contributions, and to Kane Constructions – it has been a huge team effort and I can't wait to see the doors open.
The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub features:
- Lap pool, waterplay area and waterslides;
- Warm water pool, spa and steam room;
- Learn to swim pool;
- Mezzanine level gym overlooking the aquatic facilities;
- Large multi-purpose community performance hall;
- Childcare facilities;
- Health consulting suites; and
- Extensive landscaped outdoor public open space areas.
Funded by the Council ($48.84 million), Victorian Government ($8.5 million) and Australian Government ($8.26 million), the hub replaces the former Waterworld and Centenary Hall facilities on the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway.
Memberships and enrolment in the Webstar's Swim School program are available now.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio, Hon. Richard Marles MP:
This is an exciting time for the northern suburbs, who will have access not only to the pools and aquatic facilities, but to additional support services – like health and childcare – which are so important to the local community.With an open date on the horizon, you can start to see the excitement around the community.
State Member for Lara Ella George MP:
It is so exciting to see that the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is complete and almost ready to open its doors to the community.
Every community deserves world class facilities, and that's exactly what this health and recreation hub will deliver for people living in Norlane and Corio.
I'm proud that the Allan Labor Government has invested $8.5 million to make this project a reality for Geelong's northern suburbs.
The City will host a free community open day, serving as the Swim, Sport and Leisure team's Summer of Fun finale event, shortly after the public opening. Details will be confirmed in the near future.
'Northern Aquatic and Community Hub' is a working title for the facility. Public consultation on four proposed new names is open now via our Your Say page.
