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The City of Greater Geelong has today announced that it is to undertake a "significant redevelopment" of its Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Focussing on the facility's 50-metre swimming pool, the major upgrade will deliver an improved aquatic facility, with associated improvements such as a new concourse, upgraded plant and improved storage.

Funding has been included in the Council’s Proposed Budget 2021/22 to help deliver the project.

Construction is expected to begin in August 2021 and be completed in March 2022 with works requiring the full closure of the 50-metre swimming pool, splash park and waterslides.

All other aquatic facilities at Leisurelink, such as the Learn To Swim pool, Warm Water pool, spa and saunas, will largely operate as normal.

City of Greater Geelong Councillor and Finance Portfolio Chair, Councillor Anthony Aitken, said this investment is one of the first in Council’s new focus to renew and maintain assets to a quality standard, commenting “over the next four years, we are moving towards spending 60% of our total expenditure on asset renewal.

“That is a huge increase on historical levels of spending on existing infrastructure, which shows the focus we have on trying to improve our assets.

“This major upgrade for Leisurelink will significantly improve the much-loved community facility.”

While the Leisurelink pool is closed, the council is exploring other options in its network to best accommodate other users.

City of Greater Geelong Councillor and Leisure and Recreation Portfolio Chair, Peter Murrihy said the council was encouraging further community use of the aquatic facilities by freezing swim, pport and leisure fees in its Proposed Budget 2021/22.

He advisedf "we have left our sport and recreation fees at pre-pandemic levels as we want people to enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits that these facilities offer,

“Our aquatic centres also play a vital role in providing water education and safety programs for our community.”

The 50 metre pool at Leisurelink was originally installed at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena for the 2007 FINA World Aquatics Championships before being relocated to Geelong as the centrepiece of the new facility which opened in 2010.

The City of Greater Geelong released the tender for the works contract last weekend.

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