Pool’s future uncertain

Aquatic centre at ‘critical crossroads’

THE future of a highly anticipated aquatic and leisure centre at Torquay is at a “critical crossroads”, according to a local government report.

An update tabled as part of the Surf Coast’s September meeting agenda revealed the recently scaled back Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre faced an uncertain future.

Earlier this year councillors voted to downsize the project from a 50m indoor pool to a 25m outdoor pool, citing the “extraordinary cost increases in the construction market”.

Despite the changes, the officer’s report reveals state and federal partners are “yet to provide support for the revised design”.

“Officers have been advised that the state government wishes to see an indoor lap pool included in the design,” it reads.

“This would result in a larger capital funding shortfall than the current design and present a greater fundraising challenge.”

The updated project was expected to cost nearly $40m, with $7m funding still needed to be raised.

Officers also anticipated a potential conflict with the Commonwealth Games aquatic facility.

While its scope and location were yet to be revealed, it is believed an Armstrong Creek site is under investigation by the state government

“The impact of such a venue on viability of the Surf Coast

Aquatic and Health Centre project requires careful analysis,” the report reads.

“Current project assumptions do not account for a similar facility in Armstrong Creek.”

The report reveals the shire will “continue to explore funding opportunities” and seek clarity on the Commonwealth Games venue. “The project is fast approaching a critical crossroads and the outlook is uncertain,” it reads.

An unnamed government spokesman last month said it was “working to deliver a Commonwealth Games the world has never seen”.

“We are working closely with Geelong stakeholders to confirm the location of the Games village and to finalise venues for Geelong’s sport program – we expect this work to be complete before the end of the year,” the spokesperson said.

New aquatic centre designs revealed by the Surf Coast Shire last month showed two undercover learn-to-swim and hydrotherapy pools, a 25m outdoor pool, allied health rooms, a gym and multipurpose spaces.

“With construction costs increasing by $300,000 a month we cannot afford to pause the design process,” Mayor Libby Stapleton said at the time.

“This model is mindful of the operating costs of the facility, committing to spending that is within our means and not impacting the provision of other valuable services to our ratepayers.”