Bright future for pools
AQUATIC centres are in high demand in Wonthaggi and Phillip Island.
Bass Coast Shire councillors said it was critical to have aquatic centres in the regional towns and the creation of a business plan was absolutely essential.
“Aquatics have come a long way. Wonthaggi needs its centre redevelopment so it can cater to a diverse community,” Cr Bradley Drew said.
“It will cost a significant amount of money but we need to keep chipping away and meeting the needs of our fast growing shire.”
Council has determined the design for the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre redevelopment in Wonthaggi.
After consulting with the community and other stakeholders, council completed the detailed design for the centre, with the first three stages of the development estimated to cost $21.6 million.
The plans, developed by M L Design, enable the project to be undertaken in stages so the pool can continue to operate during the reconstruction.
The first stage of the redevelopment include two pools – a 25 metre, eight lane pool and a 20 metre warm water pool – as well as a water play area.
Also included in the first stage would be a cafe, crèche and new change rooms.
The second stage comprises the extension of the current pool hall to the north, enabling the construction of a two court, multi-use stadium suitable for sports including basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton.
The third stage is the development of an expanded health club and gym area.
Bass Coast mayor Cr Kimberley Brown said the total water space planned for was 850 square metres – more than double the current 400.
“The new pools have been designed to be fully accessible with ramps and a zero depth water play area to provide a range of water activities to suit people of all ages and abilities,” she said.
Cr Drew and Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund Inc secretary Peter McMahon have headed the campaign to develop aquatic centres in Bass Coast, particularly in Phillip Island.
“This is a great outcome. Three years ago, an aquatic centre in Phillip Island was a dream for many and here we are taking another step towards its fruition,” Cr Drew said.
Churchill Ward councillor Phil Wright congratulated Cr Drew, Mr McMahon and others who worked tirelessly to bring the plans forward.
“Cr Drew’s efforts have been honourable and I hope the people of Phillip Island will be grateful,” he said.
“There has been a lot of rigour around assessing the site and I’m proud of the way it is headed.”
Council endorsed the preferred selection of the Cowes Activity Centre Plan site for the development of the aquatic centre.
“Council will now undertake a more detailed investigation of the site to determine if the site is suited for the development of the aquatic facilities,” Cr Brown said.
“The development of a concept plan for the site can now also begin, with $120,000 dedicated to this plan in the 2015/16 budget.”
Congratulations: from left, Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund Inc secretary Peter McMahon shook hands with Cr Bradley Drew after a successful outcome was heard for the future of regional aquatic centres in Bass Coast at Bass Coast Shire Council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday (September 16).
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Sep 22 2015. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
