City of Greater Geelong set to begin design work for North Bellarine Aquatic Centre stage two

The City of Greater Geelong has advised that the design of stage two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will begin soon.

In a major milestone for the $40.3 million project, a funding agreement between the Australian Government and the City of Greater Geelong has been executed, paving the way for the start of the design process for the Drysdale venue.

A concept for stage two, an indoor aquatic centre to be built alongside the 50-metre heated outdoor pool delivered in stage one, was endorsed by the Council last year.

Created with the help of a 12-member community advisory panel, the concept design includes:

• Eight-lane 25-metre pool

• Warm water pool

• Café and social space

• Gymnasium and group exercise studio/s

• Changing places changeroom

• Various associated facilities

The detailed design will ready the project for construction, expected to begin late in 2025.

Stage two is supported with $20 million from the Australian Government's Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

The Victorian Government has also committed $20 million to the project, with the Council to contribute the remaining $300,000.

Welcoming the funding, Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan advised “thank you to the Australian and Victorian Governments for their major investment in this facility.

“The 50-metre outdoor pool built as stage one has been a stunning success, and the community is now looking forward with great anticipation to the indoor component being added.

“Stage two will broaden the use of the aquatic centre and ensure community members on the north Bellarine never have to travel outside their local area to access aquatic facilities they need.”

Last month saw the Council resolved to keep the 50 metre pool at the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre open year-round.

Image credit: Pexels.