Hydrostatic tests confirm pools are watertight at Geelong’s Northern Aquatic and Community Hub

Hydrostatic tests on the three pools at Geelong’s new Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane have confirmed the 25-metre, warm water and leisure pools are watertight.

Construction of the new facility, which will replace the popular but ageing Waterworld Leisure Centre, started in February 2022 and is expected to be finished in early 2024.

The $61.6 million project is being delivered by the City of Greater Geelong, in partnership with the Victorian and Australian governments with Council providing over $48 million, the Victorian Government $8.5 million and the Australian Government $8.26 million.

In recent months significant structures such as the gym and the multi-purpose community hall have also started to take shape.

The integrated hub when completed will feature:

• 25-metre pool, hydrotherapy pool, Learn to Swim pool, water play area and waterslide

• 1000 metre² of multi-purpose community space

• Spa, sauna, and steam room

• Centrally located café

• Gymnasium, program rooms and occasional care facilities; and

• Expanded car parking spaces, landscaping, and aesthetic improvements to Corio Library.

Deputy Mayor Athony Aitken, who visited the site this week with Local State Member for Lara Ella George enthused “this is a facility we have worked so hard to make a reality and it is amazing to see it starting to come to life.

“The build is at a point now where you can start to imagine what it will look like once it’s finished.

“It’s going to be a facility which will bring great pride to our northern suburbs. With a magnificent new community events venue, a health and aquatics wellbeing precinct, and a place everyone in Greater Geelong can enjoy and use.

“The Council has made a huge investment and we are so thankful to the state and federal governments for their contributions.”

The City of Greater Geelong's Kardinia Aquatic Centre reopened on Saturday after a faecal incident in part of the facility last week.