Three day pool party to mark opening of Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre

Officially opened on Tuesday, the Multi-Million Dollar Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre is set to welcome the public from tomorrow with three days of special events.

The centrepiece of the Victorian Government’s $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative, the $57 million facility caters for competitive swimming and training, recreational swimming, general community use and major events.

It includes an eight-lane, 50-metre indoor pool with seating for 500 spectators, an indoor water play zone, a large aqua tower with two large water slides, a learn-to-swim pool, a cafe and retail precinct and a 25-metre heated outdoor pool.

The Centre also offers a range of health and wellbeing facilities including a warm water therapy pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms along with a soon-to-be-completed wellness centre and gym with group fitness rooms.

Built by ADCO Constructions, Commercial Aquatics were engaged to complete the supply and installation of the complete aquatic package for the Centre.

The largest project undertaken by Commercial Aquatics' Victorian team the works includeds the installation of Myrtha Pools technology, filtration and hydraulics, pool furniture, equipment and the moveable pool boom from S.R.Smith.

Other S.R.Smith products installed at the Centre included lane ropes, starting blocks (with 'no dive' vinyl covers), water polo field lines and two Anti Wave Pro 1080 goals.

In a first of its kind innovation in a Victorian aquatic facility, the new Centre uses geothermally-heated water.

At yesterday's official opening, Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas stated “we are extremely pleased to have helped make the community’s vision a reality – it will be a great asset for the Valley.”

“Whether it’s swimming lessons for the kids or elite competition, the new centre is a huge win for the community."

Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson added "this world-class centre puts Latrobe City on the map when it comes to swimming and leisure facilities, major aquatic events and the use of geothermal energy, and stands as a testament to community spirit.”

The project was delivered by the Latrobe Valley Authority in partnership with Latrobe City Council, with an $8 million dollar investment from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Community Sports Infrastructure Loan Scheme.

As of tomorrow's opening, the Centre will operate with public health arrangements in place to ensure social distancing.