Hub design decision

ARCHITECTS have been appointed to design the largest civic project in Geelong’s north.

The City of Greater Geelong announced this week it had signed on DWP to design the first stage of the Northern ARC Health and Wellbeing Hub.

However, the future of the $61.6 million project remains uncertain, with funding commitments still being sought from the state and federal governments.

If it comes to fruition, the hub will be built on Cox Rd, Norlane, and feature state-ofthe-art facilities and integrated services to address significant health issues among local residents.

Once complete, the hub will provide a 25m pool, gym, cafe, multipurpose community spaces, consulting suites and occasional child care.

It would be built next to the new Barwon Health North facility, a $33 million project due to open in mid-2019.

City Hall pledged $20.6 million to the project in September and Mayor Bruce Harwood said it was time for other levels of government to jump on board.

“The Northern ARC development is critical for Geelong’s northern suburbs, and indeed for the whole of our region,” he said. “Council has made a big financial commitment, but we can’t achieve this community outcome without funding from other levels of government.

“State and federal governments must provide financial support for this project, as they have delivered very little in our north in years gone by.”

The council said it chose DWP to design the project given its experience in the delivery of aquatic and recreation facilities.

The international firm has been behind various projects locally and overseas, including leisure centres in Hawthorn, Noble Park and Maribyrnong.