North Bellarine Aquatic Centre gets official opening

The first stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, with its newly constructed outdoor pool, has been officially opened.

The $15.5 million stage one of the facility earlier was officially opened by Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker and City of Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan along with local dignitaries on Tuesday before it opened to users yesterday.

The new (stage one) North Bellarine Aquatic Centre features:

• An eight-lane 50-metre outdoor pool

• All abilities change facilities

• Kiosk with outdoor seating

• Shaded tiered seating and landscaped lawn areas

• Parking for 60 cars and electric vehicle charging

• Reciprocal access for all City of greater Geelong Swim Sport & Leisure members.

Located in Drysdale opposite the Bellarine Secondary College campus, the Centre will host a free open day on Sunday 5th November, where everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy the state-of-the-art facility.

Stage two concept designs for the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre approved by Council include:

• 8-lane 25 metre pool

• Warm water pool

• Café and social space

• Gymnasium and group exercise studio/s

• Changing places change room

• Various associated facilities.

Costings for stage two have been calculated to be $40.3 million, which will be largely funded by $20 million each in funding commitments from the Victorian and Federal Governments. 

The first stage one of facility was funded by $10 million from the Federal Government and $5.5 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

Commenting on the new facility, Mayor Sullivan stated “this is a legacy project …  I’m trying to think of the last time an additional aquatic facility was built within Greater Geelong - we’ve had a couple of replacement facilities - so it’s fantastic to be here opening up another one.”

Images: Dignitaries at Tuesday's opening of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (top) and the Centre's new 50 metre pool (below). Credit: City of Greater Geelong.