Ahead of the anticipated mid-year opening of the long-awaited $45 million Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre redevelopment, a second major indoor aquatics complex for the city is already on the starting blocks.
Wyndham council’s updated draft aquatics strategy recommends that planning start this financial year for a new complex in the city’s north-west, potentially on council-owned land on Sayers Road in Tarneit.
Initially, the council will undertake an assessment to determine the scope of the new facility, with design to start in 2017-18 and construction to take place from 2022 at an estimated cost of $45-50 million.
Answering a long-running campaign for a community aquatics centre in Point Cook, the strategy states the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre [WLEC] would cater for that suburb’s residents.
“Any council-funded aquatics facility in Point Cook would significantly overlap with the [WLEC] catchment and compete with services and programs, likely impacting on the operation performance of both,” the strategy states.
“Given the significant attractions that are being developed as part of the WLEC redevelopment, it is anticipated that Point Cook residents will continue to be attracted to the new facility.
“However, it is appropriate the first two years of operations of the facility be reviewed and assessed with a view to council further considering, at that time, whether aquatics services to Point Cook residents are being adequately provided.”
As part of the strategy, the Werribee Olympic Outdoor Pool – which has been operating year-round and for extended hours during works on the WLEC – will revert to its regular summer season from November this year.
But a review will be undertaken of the pool’s operations in mid-2017, taking into account shifting weather patterns, community demand and whether further development or upgrades are “warranted and feasible”.
When complete, the WLEC will include a new 50-metre pool, a 25-metre learn-to-swim pool, a water therapy pool, children’s play area, two giant waterslides and a 950-metre gym.
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