Builder announced for City of Melbourne's $42 million Kensington Community Recreation Centre upgrade

McCorkell Constructions has named the preferred builder for the City of Melbourne's $42 million upgrade of the Kensington Community Recreation Centre.

Having served the community since 1976, the redevelopment of the Kensington Community Recreation Centre (KCRC) aims to create a facility with the capacity to meet the diverse needs and various demands of the area’s growing population.

With the City of Melbourne having long identified the need to upgrade, the new facility will offer indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, including an eight lane 25-metre pool and children’s water play area. It will also feature three indoor multi-sports courts, gym, health and wellness spaces, a range of auxiliary spaces and amenities suitable for a variety of classes and community use, plus a wrap-around café.

With the Council wanting the landmark project to offer improved environmental credentials, its sustainable design includes more flexible spaces, better integration with JJ Holland Park and ahost of green initiatives.

Commenting on the project in 2019, then City of Melbourne Councillor Beverley Pinder stated “new, modern, accessible and family-friendly change facilities in the pool and water play area will make it more comfortable for everyone to use the centre.

“These concepts showcase the community’s ideas and vision for a state-of-the-art centre that remains affordable, accessible, and relevant to our community.”

“The concepts also include sustainability features such as solar panels, a new green wall, water conservation measures, efficient heating and cooling systems, and double glazing."

McCorkell Constructions was named the preferred builder following a competitive tender process, beating out Built Environs, Buxton and Adco.

Images: Designs for the Kensington Community Recreation Centre upgrade.