Work on new pools marks next stage of Doncaster Aquarena redevelopment

The latest stage in the $19.8 million transformation of Doncaster's Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre got underway this week with work beginning on the construction of a warm water pool, an extension to the fitness centre, a new front of house area, improved access and car parking amenities and an access sky bridge.

Attracting more than 800,000 visits each year, Manningham City Council has been redeveloping the YMCA Victoria - managed facility since 2006.

Work commenced this week is on stages 4, 5 and 6 of the project, with Victorian Sports Minister Damian Drum on site.

Welcoming the expansion of the Centre, Minister Drum stated that the project that will deliver far-ranging health and active recreation benefits to Melbourne's north east, explaining “(Aquarena) is home to a range of activities including swimming, exercising, learning important water safety skills, recovering from injuries, relaxing, and recuperating.

"This investment in local infrastructure ensures the centre is well placed in the future to cater for the growing demand for its services."

The Victorian Government had provided $2.5 million towards earlier stages of the project for work including refurbishment of wet change rooms, a new multi-purpose pavilion and swim club rooms, and a new plant room and cogeneration system.

However, Manningham Council’s call for a further $1 million in Victorian Government funding for the latest stage of project have gone unanswered, with no new funds committed.

As a result, the current expansion is being funded by the Council backed by the Manningham YMCA, Doncaster Templestowe Amateur Swimming Club and the Taxi Rank Safety Program.

Minister Drum did suggest this week that, if the current Coalition Government is re-elected, her will discuss future funding with the Council “in the New Year.”

However, he highlighted to local media that Victorian Government contributions to pools like the $3 million in funding given to the $48 million Ringwood Aquatic Centre redevelopment works in 2011 were modest, stating that funding for “aquatic and recreation centres is generally the “domain of councils”.

The current Aquarena expansion will include:

• Construction of a new indoor Warm Water Program Pool and pool hall including new steam room and spa.
• Construction of a new outdoor Water Splash and Play area 
• Construction of a new Wellness Centre inclusive of a Multi-purpose room 
• Expansion and relocation of the gymnasium 
• Extensive redevelopment of the Entrance Foyer, Administration Zone, and Reception Area 
• Modification works to the existing crèche area
• Expansion and refurbishment of the existing dry change areas
• Redevelopment of the external drop off and pick up zones including the establishment of a new forecourt
• Construction of a Sky Bridge linking visitors from the upper car park levels to the facility

The project was designed by Peddle Thorp architects.

Aquarena’s indoor pool will be closed for less than three months, while the outdoor pool will remain open. A temporary gym has been relocated and will be open for 12 months.

Click here for more information.

11th July 2013 - MULTI-USE PAVILION COMPLETED AT DONCASTER AQUARENA