City of Kingston appoints ADCO to construct new Aquatic and Leisure Centre

The City of Kingston in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs advised it has appointed ADCO to undertake the construction of the new Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Mordialloc.

The project cost was initially estimated at $79.2 million, however further detailed design, which included the addition of a future expansion zone to the health and fitness spaces and increased structural stability with the piling depth extended to 30 metres, increased the project value.

Following a competitive procurement process Council confirmed a total project cost of $87.5 million, which also included sufficient contingency allowances to accommodate the continued volatility of the construction market.

Based on universal design principles and environmentally sensitive, the centre is set to greatly improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

ADCO is an industry leader in aquatic and leisure centre delivery in Victoria, having completed more than 50 large-scale community aquatic and leisure developments.

Kingston Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns said bringing the community on the journey, through meaningful and thorough engagement, has been a real focus of the project.

Mayor Davey-Burns advised “over 10,600 community submissions across six stages of consultation have helped shape the new facility, and with our Olympic swimmers set to light up the pool in Paris this week, it’s really exciting to be able to make this announcement.

“The community has been absolutely incredible in providing us with a clear and ambitious vision for the new centre – we truly have a project that is very much by the people and for the people.

“Whether it’s our kids learning to swim and splashing around with mates, people who love to keep fit in the gym or get great benefit from warm water exercise, or hopefully even some of our future Olympic stars, it will cater for everyone.”

The key elements of the new centre include:

• Four pools (50metre multi-purpose lap swimming pool, learn to swim pool, warm water

• exercise pool, and leisure pool);

• Spa, sauna, and steam room;

• Gym and fitness facilities;

• Café;

• Ancillary services such as foyer, change village and car parking.

Melaleuca Ward Councillor, Tim Cochrane said after more than four years, Council was now progressing to the construction of what will be “a multi-generational asset for our community”.

Cochrane added “with visitation levels expected to exceed 400,000 people per year, this facility will see well over 20 million visits in its lifetime.

“The new fully-electric facility will have a welcoming, open look and a sensitive connection to the neighbouring Jack Grut Reserve and Mordialloc Creek.

“This is an exciting project for our city, local employment and our community - I can’t wait to see it completed.”

A Council statement advised “Community consultation has delivered a very clear vision on what this facility needs to deliver for our community, and this exciting milestone demonstrates Council’s ongoing commitment to creating a centre that will provide for all members of our community both now and for the next 50 years.”

The most recent stage of consultation on the name for the new centre attracted 3,990 votes, with the name expected to be announced in late August.

Council has secured $20 million in funding from the Australian Government for the project, and says it is seeking further funding from the Victorian Government.

ADCO will commence construction work at the Governor Road site in Mordialloc before the end of the year, with completion scheduled for mid-2026.

In February last year Melbourne-based firm CO.OP Studio was appointed principal consultant architect to the project.

The new facility will replace the Don Tatnell Leisure Centre in Parkdale which permanently closed due to structural issues in 2020.

For more information visit kingston.vic.gov.au/new-centre

Image: Concept design for the new Mordialloc pool. Credit: City of Kingston.