Sauna and steam room to be added to Northern Bellarine Aquatic Centre
Stage Two of the Northern Bellarine Aquatic Centre in Drysdale will now include a sauna and steam room, thanks to the project being ahead of budget.
The project's second stage will see the addition of an indoor 25-metre pool and warm water program pool, change facilities, gym, group fitness rooms and a café.
Construction works are well underway with concreting, pool structures and structural steel framing.
While the plans allowed for a sauna and steam room to be added in the future when funding became available, the project's efficient delivery now means they can be included in the scope of Stage Two. Funding for Stage Two was provided by $20 million from both the Federal and Victorian Governments, and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.
Stage Two is on track for completion next year, while the outdoor pool, delivered as part of Stage One, is on track to reopen to the public later this year.
State Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant MP:
“It’s fantastic to see facilities included in this project that the Bellarine community have strongly advocated for. I can’t wait to see the community come together and make the most of these incredible new indoor spaces.”
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP:
“This is such exciting news for communities across the Northern Bellarine, who I’ve advocated alongside for many years to ensure we get an aquatic facility that truly meets local needs - and the addition of a sauna and steam room is a fantastic part of that outcome.
“The Community Reference Group has worked tirelessly over a long period to advocate for these facilities, from community meetings through to ongoing engagement with project partners, and they should be incredibly proud of the role they’ve played in helping deliver this result.”
Murradoc Ward Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD
"The Community Reference Group has advocated for a sauna and steam room for a long time, and this news shows how clever and creative project management, collaboration between all levels of government, and ongoing community consultation can deliver great outcomes like this."
"This facility is will continue to deliver for the Northern Bellarine, whether it's learning to swim classes, fitness programs, hydrotherapy, and now the benefits of a sauna and steam room."
Community Advisory Panel representative Gina Bell:
“In 2023 during the concept design phase the Community Advisory Panel agreed to prioritise the more expensive core aquatic infrastructure over the inclusion of steam and sauna facilities, with the understanding that these could be delivered at a later stage (Stage 3) at comparatively lower cost.”
“Through community consultation, sauna and steam facilities have consistently been identified as a valued feature and this is great news that they will now be included in the Stage 2 build. A great outcome for our community.”
