Community welcomes Collingwood Leisure Centre reopening

In the four weeks since it reopened, the refurbished Collingwood Leisure Centre is already proving popular with the local community

After opening on 16th January, the City of Yarra showed the $7.8 million redevelopment off to the public at a free 'family fun day' on 4th February.

The former Turnbull Street centre's lap pool has been increased from five to seven lanes and learn-to-swim and toddlers' pools have also been enlarged. The creche, sauna and spa areas have also been upgraded.

Yarra Mayor Geoff Barbour said the new centre was expected to handle an extra 40,000 visits a year, stating "we estimate it will host 295,000 visits in the first year, increasing to over 300,000 visits in the second year.

"The facility will be supported by the equivalent of 19 full-time staff. I am confident that once the community starts using the facility, they will feel the wait has been well and truly worth it."

Designed by Melbourne based architects Peddle Thorp, the low cost centre has been desribed as "a stunning achievement" and joins a suite of leisure centres across Australia designed by the practice.

Peddle Thorp Design director Peter Brook explained that many sustainable design features were now included in the facility, with a 100,000 litre underground water tank now collecting and recycling stormwater for use in the centre's toilets.

Brook explained "environmentally sustainable design features including a cogeneration system that provides energy-efficient electricity and heating for the pool, and a 100,000 litre underground water tank that captures stormwater to be reused throughout the centre.

"Photovoltaic panels were in place to reduce energy consumption."

"It is a low cost solution for leisure centres for Local Governments."

The Council funded the majority of the project, with $1.239 million in funding coming from the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development.

The facility pool had been closed since February 2010, with construction commencing in October 2010.

The Council funded the majority of the project, with $1.239 million in funding coming from the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development.

The facility pool had been closed since February 2010, with construction commencing in October 2010.

Other features of the redevelopment include:

• A new access ramp to the lap pool and Learn to Swim pool to improve accessibility;
• Refurbished change rooms and new accessible and family change facilities;
• A new reception area; and
• New paint and flooring the gym, spinning and group fitness rooms, plus new acoustic treatments in the group fitness room.

Environmentally sustainable design features including a cogeneration system that provides energy-efficient electricity and heating for the pool, and a 100,000 litre underground water tank that captures stormwater to be reused throughout the centre.

For more information go to www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Services/Yarra-Leisure/Collingwood-Leisure-Centre/Centre-Upgrade/

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