Kew Recreation Centre roof collapses in the middle of the night

The redevelopment of the Kew Recreation Centre in inner eastern Melbourne has been halted following the collapse of its roof last night.

Media reports advised that residents were woken at about 10pm on 20th October by a loud noise that some thought resembled a large explosion.

With nobody on site at that time no injuries have been reported, but if the collapse had occurred during the day, the potential for construction workers to have been injured would have been high.

Following the incident, Victoria Police and Fire + Rescue attended the scene following which Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) representatives reportedly cordoned off the area and kept it secure while waiting for WorkSafe Victoria to arrive in the morning.

With investigations now being conducted by lead contractor ADCO and WorkSafe, the City of Boroondara said in a social post that no-one was hurt and there was no impact on neighbouring properties. Damage was contained to the construction site and early investigations suggest other areas of the facility under construction weren’t damaged.

One bystander told Australasian Leisure Management that "(it looks like the builders) had just started to install the insulated panels to the roof and I would suspect that this is what precipitated the roof collapse.

"(After the incident) there was a steady stream of people stopping their cars to get out and take pics of the mess it has created."

The much-delayed $65.5 million redevelopment of the Centre was expected to be completed as mid-2023. However, that date will now be revised.

When complete, it will feature a dedicated learn-to-swim pool, a secluded warm water pool for gentle exercise and rehabilitation, an aqua play area, an onsite childcare with outdoor play area, bigger change rooms, two indoor sports courts, allied health suites, health and fitness areas, a landscaped forecourt and café, increased parking and a party room.

Article amended to include new images and bystander quote as of 8am on Sunday 23rd October.

Images: The collapsed roof at the Kew Recreation Centre (top and below, credit: Derek Harbison) and 3AW reporter Pat Mitchell's Tweet on the collapse (middle).