The $65.6 million Northern Aquatic and Community Hub being constructed in Norlane is progressing, with three pools passing hydrostatic tests to confirm they are watertight.
City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor, Anthony Aitken, and Councillor Kylie Grzybek visited the site with recently elected Member for Lara, Ella George, to view the progress of the facility.
Alongside the fully formed 25m, warm water and leisure pools, significant structures such as the gym and multi-purpose community hall have also started to rise from the ground in recent months.
Mayor Aitken said, “The build is at a point now where you can start to imagine what it will look like once it’s finished.
“It’s going to be a facility which will bring great pride to our northern suburbs. With a magnificent new community events venue, a health and aquatics wellbeing precinct, and a place everyone in Greater Geelong can enjoy and use.”
The facility, which will replace the loved but ageing Waterworld Leisure Centre at the same location, is being funded in a partnership between the Council ($48.84 million), Victorian Government ($8.5 million) and Federal Government ($8.26 million).
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio, Richard Marles, said, “The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is a project which I have supported since its inception.
“The Australian Government is proudly investing $8.26 million in this project which will make a huge difference to the people of the northern suburbs of Geelong.”
Council increased its contribution by $4 million through its 2022-23 budget to convert the facility from gas to electricity, enabling it to be powered entirely by renewable energy.
Construction of the hub started in February 2022 and is expected to be completed early in 2024.
Members of the community can follow the progress of the construction through viewing portals cut into the fencing surrounding the site on the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway.
Featured image: Member for Lara Ella George MP, Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken and Councillor Kylie Grzybek at the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub.
