The City of Greater Geelong Council is preparing for a significant redevelopment of Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre’s 50-metre swimming pool.
The major upgrade will deliver an improved aquatic facility, with associated improvements such as a new concourse, upgraded plant and improved storage.
Funding has been included in the Council’s Proposed Budget 2021-22 to help deliver the project.
The City released the tender for the works contract last weekend.
Construction is expected to begin in August 2021 and be completed in March 2022.
The works will require the full closure of the 50-metre swimming pool, splash park and waterslides.
All other aquatic facilities at Leisurelink, such as the Learn To Swim pool, Warm Water pool, spa and saunas, will largely operate as normal.
Finance Portfolio Chair, Councillor Anthony Aitken said this investment is one of the first in Council’s new focus to renew and maintain assets to a quality standard that the community and councillors expect.
“Over the next four years, we are moving towards spending 60 per cent of our total expenditure on asset renewal,” Cr Aitken said.
“That is a huge increase on historical levels of spending on existing infrastructure, which shows the focus we have on trying to improve our assets.
“This major upgrade for Leisurelink will significantly improve the much-loved community facility.”
While the Leisurelink pool is closed, the City is exploring other options in its network to best accommodate other users.
Chair of the Leisure and Recreation portfolio, Cr Peter Murrihy said Council was encouraging further community use of the aquatic facilities by freezing Swim, Sport and Leisure fees in its Proposed Budget 2021-22.
“We have left our sport and recreation fees at pre-pandemic levels as we want people to enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits that these facilities offer,” Cr Murrihy said.
“Our aquatic centres also play a vital role in providing water education and safety programs for our community.”
