Caption:Stage one of the St Arnaud Swimming Pool redevelopment – which includes this upgraded kiosk area – is officially open, with stage two to begin in February. Pictured is lifeguard Keegan Amos serving a patron.
Construction on the final stage of the $2.57-million St Arnaud Swimming Pool redevelopment will begin in February.
As a result, the pool's summer season will close slightly earlier than usual to facilitate the works.
Stage one, which included refurbishment of existing change rooms to include upgraded shower and toilet facilities, along with an upgraded administration/first aid and kiosk area, is already complete.
Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop said council leaders, alongside Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, officially opened stage one on Friday last week.
"It looks absolutely fantastic, and we are excited for the St Arnaud community to make the most of these new facilities," she said.
Stage two involves structural repairs to the pool, along with resurfacing and compliance upgrades. It also includes the construction of a new beach-entry ramp to improve accessibility.
Works will also be done to the concourse and surrounds, with the project scope also including additional service installation and underground investigations.
The pool will close for the 2025/26 summer period at close of business on Sunday, February 22 instead of mid to late March.
"While we understand cutting the summer season a little short is not ideal, it will help ensure the entire project is finished in time for the 2026-27 season," Cr Hyslop said.
"The reason we did not deliver both parts at once was to avoid delays that could have resulted in the pool opening late or not at all this summer.
"This project is a great win for the St Arnaud community, and one council is very excited to see delivered in full."
Council has awarded the project tender to Hydrilla Commercial Swimming Pools and Aquatics.
The project is being funded by a $1.94 million grant from the State Government's Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and $650,000 from council.
St Arnaud residents and visitors can participate in the pool's 2025/26 summer school holiday program, which features a range of activities including pool parties, a luau and a family fun day.
People can access a copy of the program via the council's website homepage, www.ngshire.vic.gov.au, or on the St Arnaud Swimming Pool Facebook page.
Children can also make the most of opportunities to kick-start or further their swimming skills by participating in a five-day intensive swimming program.
The program is free for currently enrolled swim students and $80 for non-enrolled children.
Classes run for 30 minutes and are scheduled between 2pm and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The pool will run two programs, from January 5 to 9 and from January 12 to 16.
Spots are limited and people can call Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre on (03) 5358 05550 to book.
