AusLeisure

The Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) development in Bentleigh East, Victoria is now open. The largest ever capital works project embarked upon by Glen Eira City Council, the $41.2 million facility has been designed to provide aquatic, recreation and wellbeing opportunities for all segments of the community.

Originally scheduled to open in December, builders Hansen Yuncken issued a certificate of occupancy to the Council at the beginning of May having addressed some "small" building issues.

The Council thanked the community for its patience during the delay, with the head of the pool's steering committee, Councillor Michael Lipshutz, said an official opening would still be held some time in June subject to the availability of Hotham MHR Simon Crean and Bentleigh MLA Elizabeth Miller.

Councillor Lipshutz told local media "everything has been fixed, everything has been done."

GESAC also addressed community concerns over the delayed opening through social media, engaging with its online community on a range of issues such as memberships, entry charges and programs.

Community support for the facility has been considerable with over more than 4,000 members joining before opening. Occupancy of the GESAC indoor stadium is already close to full capacity.

The Council run facility has also created 250 job opportunities.

The facility offers:

Aquatic facilities

• Indoor, eight lane 25-metre pool catering for lap swimmers, learn-to-swim, squads, schools and aquatic fitness activities.
• Outdoor, eight lane 50-metre pool catering for lap swimmers, squads, schools and carnivals.
• A 510 metre2 metre Pirates Cove leisure pool equipped with a range of the latest interactive water features and play equipment.
• Two waterslides that travel inside and outside the facility. Users can choose from thePirates Plunge body slide or theShip Wreck raft slide that can be ridden by two users at the same time.
• An aquatic wellness area that is separate from the main pool space - designed as a therapy and relaxation area for adults and incorporates a 200 metre2 hot water pool, spa, sauna and steam room.
• A 100 metre2 program pool that will deliver a range of learn-to-swim and aquatic programs.

Health Club

• A huge 1,000 metre2 gymnasium with a wide array of the latest cardio, pin loaded, free weight and core strength equipment.
• A 285 metre2 group exercise room hosting a wide range of group exercise classes for up to 60 participants, including all Les Mills and Zumba programs.
• A 180 metre2 body and mind studio hosting a wide range of programs such as yoga, pilates and body balance for up to 40 participants.
• A 140 metre2 group cycling studio with a range of cycling fitness classes for up to 40 participants.
• An outdoor 90 metre2 outdoor training terrace offering a range of flexible programming options and district views.

GESAC also offers:

• Consulting suites with tenants offering complimentary health and rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy.
• An occasional care centre that includes indoor and outdoor play areas for children.
• A three court sports stadium available for both competition and hire.
• A retail outlet with a range of aquatic, health club and indoor sport related merchandise.
• A café providing a range of food and drink options to users of the facility.
• A range of different spaces and facilities for hire and on-site catering.

To follow the progress of GESAC visit the GESAC Facebook page or go to www.gesac.com.au

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.