Community invited to help name Geelong's Northern Aquatic and Community Hub

The City of Greater Geelong is inviting the community to help choose a new name for the soon-to-be-completed Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane.

At its most recent meeting, the Council agreed to release four potential names for feedback:

• Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Centre)

• Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Complex)

• Aquatic Centre of Norlane (ACON)

• Aquatic Complex of Norlane (ACON).

The shortlisted names are a result of workshops with members of the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH) Community Liaison Reference Group, which has been meeting regularly with City staff throughout the build.

The reference group expressed a preference for a name that highlights both the area and the nature of activities to be hosted within the facility.

Northern Aquatic and Community Hub has been the working title for the facility, but does not meet the naming rules under the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 (Vic).

Each of the proposed names meet the requirements of the Act.

Following consultation, a recommendation will be presented to the Council for endorsement before being submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for approval.

Northern Aquatic and Community Hub will continue to be the working name for the facility until the official name is finalised.

Set to open next month, opening preparations for the $65.6 million facility are well underway. This includes recruitment, induction and training of around 250 employees, installation of health club and other equipment, and securing providers for the on-site café and health consulting suites.

This follows Kane Constructions having the building over to the City's Swim, Sport and Leisure team to prepare for opening.

Commenting on the progress, City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor, Anthony Aitken advised “the facility is looking amazing … I was blown away during a recent site visit by how good it is.

“Norlane Pool and Waterworld were well loved icons of the north, and I am confident the local community will love this new facility even more.

“We (now) need a name that will resonate strongly, so please have your say and help us choose.

NACH includes:

• Lap pool, waterplay area and waterslides;

• Warm water pool, spa and steam room;

• Learn to swim pool;

• Mezzanine level gym overlooking the aquatic facilities;

• Large multi-purpose community performance hall;

• Childcare facilities;

• Health consulting suites; and

• Extensive landscaped outdoor public open space areas.

Funded by the City of Greater Geelong ($48.84 million), Victorian Government ($8.5 million) and Australian Government ($8.26 million), the new facility replaces the former Waterworld and Centenary Hall facilities on the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway.

Input on the naming runs until Sunday 28th January 2024.

Click here to have your say.

Images show features of the soon-to-open new facility. Credit: City of Greater Geelong.