The Merri-bek community will soon be able to enjoy upgraded health and fitness facilities at Fawkner Leisure Centre, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today joined Merri-bek City Council Mayor Angela Panopoulos to officially launch Stage One works on the centre upgrades, made possible by a $8 million Labor Government-guaranteed loan through the Community Sports Infrastructure Loan Scheme.
The upgrades will bring the much-loved facility into a new era and will feature a new outdoor 50 metre pool, water play pool and steam room. It will also include a refurbished sauna and spa, extension of the gym, new program space, cycle studio, updated foyer, reception, café lounge area and landscaping.
The Fawkner Leisure Centre is an integral part in the community. These new facilities will host a range of new activities including swim classes, muscle therapy, and fitness classes - boosting local fitness and wellbeing for locals of all ages.
The project is expected to create 200 jobs during construction, with 95 ongoing jobs expected when the upgraded centre is up and running.
Since 2018, lending through the Community Sports Infrastructure Loan Scheme has helped 26 successful organisations deliver almost $480 million worth of community sport and recreation infrastructure across the state.
In addition to providing access to low-interest loans, the Labor Government makes interest subsidy payments that effectively halve the interest paid by borrowers - saving organisations money and helping kick-start infrastructure projects that support our economic recovery.
The Government has invested more than $1.6 billion into community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
For more information about the program and successful projects go to sport.vic.gov.au .
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"We're proud to help communities like Fawkner kick-start projects that provide even more opportunities to come together and get active."
As stated by Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward
"We're giving the Fawkner communities the upgraded facilities they need so more locals can participate in the healthy activities they love."
