Site chosen for Geelong’s North Bellarine pool

Following a Federal Government funding commitment of $10 million in 2019, the Drysdale Sporting Precinct has been chosen as the site for a new 50-metre pool on the north Bellarine, bringing the planned facility a step closer.

The centre is proposed to feature a 50-metre pool, multipurpose spaces, change facilities and a pavilion.

The Council has allocated $750,000 towards the facility in its 2020-21 budget, adding to the $10 million commitment from the Federal Government.

Greater Geelong Council considered two potential locations for the pool, both in Drysdale: the sporting precinct on Grubb Road and the City of Greater Geelong depot on Collins Street.

In line with the findings of a detailed assessment of the two sites and community consultation, the Council unanimously voted for the sporting precinct.

The assessment rated the sporting precinct as the preferred site based on its:

• Accessibility to the north Bellarine community by car, public transport and on foot;

• Integration with the local area, including local schools, other community facilities and the surrounding landscape; and

• Long-term financial and social sustainability, including the potential for the facility to become more fully integrated in the future.

A Council-funded independent scoping study earlier this year confirmed a need for a new pool on the north Bellarine, finding that residents in the area had lesser access to aquatic facilities than those in other parts of Greater Geelong.

Work on detailed designs and costings will now begin.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher advised “in choosing the Drysdale Sporting Precinct as the location for the new 50-metre pool, the Council has taken a huge step towards delivering this long-awaited facility for the Bellarine community.

“The sporting precinct emerged as the clear choice given it’s so accessible from all towns on the north Bellarine, as well as to residents coming up Grubb Road from the south.

“The facility will complement the other sporting facilities at the precinct, and it’ll be readily accessible to the three neighbouring schools. It’ll fit comfortably on the site, with room to expand in the future should further funding become available.

“We thank the federal government, the North Bellarine Pool Advocacy Group and all members of the community who have provided their feedback and supported this project so far.”