A $40.3 million expansion of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has moved one step closer with council awarding a contract to design the project.

In last night’s meeting, Council voted to award the contract for the detailed design of stage two of the centre to Williams Ross Architects Pty Ltd, following an extensive tender evaluation process.

The Australian and Victorian governments have committed $20 million each for the project, with Council to contribute the remaining $300,000.

Council last year endorsed a concept design for stage two, an indoor aquatic centre to be built alongside the 50-metre heated outdoor pool delivered in stage one.

Created with the help of a 12-member community advisory panel, the concept design includes:

• an eight-lane 25-metre pool,
• a warm water pool,
•  café and social space,
• a gymnasium and group exercise studio/s,
• a changing places changeroom, and
• various associated facilities.

The detailed design will build on this work, preparing the project for construction with an anticipated start date of late next year. It’s expected the indoor facility will be ready to open in mid to late 2027.

Member for Corangamite Libby Coker

Communities on the Bellarine have been crying out for an indoor pool for years and this announcement brings the project one step closer to becoming a reality.

It builds on the Federal Government’s investment in the outdoor pool and will leave an amazing legacy for the people of the Bellarine – it’s an awesome result, driven by the community.

I look forward to continuing to work with the state government, and council to ensure this development meets community needs and expectations.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

This expansion will be a major boost for the community.

The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has been very popular within our local community so far, progressing the design process brings us one step closer to delivering an even bigger and better facility the community can be proud of.

Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan

The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has been a stunning success to date, with many locals enjoying the outdoor pool delivered in stage one of the project.

Like many across the north Bellarine, I am looking forward to the expansion of the centre to include an indoor pool and other fantastic facilities for our community.