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Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre

Project typeAquatic and Health Centre
Project scheduleDesign finalised. Construction completion mid-2026.
Contractor nameTBC

Information updated 27 June 2024

The scope for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre includes:

An indoor 25-metre pool for lap/squad swimming and learn to swim
A warm water indoor pool for learn to swim, warm water exercise, hydrotherapy and leisure
Gym and programs spaces
Allied health suites
Café and supporting amenities.

The design focuses on accessibility, and balancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency with positive user experience and aesthetics.

We acknowledge the significant Australian Government contribution of $20 million and the Victorian Government contribution of $13 million to the Aquatic & Health Centre. A further $3.5 million grant from the Victorian Government’s ‘Growing Suburbs Fund’ will contribute to the Community Wellbeing Spaces within the facility, and $180,000 from the Victorian Government’s ‘Changing Places’ funding to a facility within the centre.

What’s happening now?

Council has adopted its 2024-25 budget, however we now need to consider a revision to this budget to allow the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre project to go ahead. The final costings for the centre are being confirmed and due to unprecedented price increases, Council needs additional funding to construct the centre.

While the overall project cost is subject to the outcome of the current tender process and any subsequent pre-contract negotiations, which are commercial in-confidence, we propose to manage the gap between the market price and the current budget through:

Value management, to occur prior to any awarding of contract. This involves reducing the market cost through simple design changes with minimal effect on the facility’s program offering, lifecycle costs or sustainable design credentials.
Council borrowings of up to $6M. The exact amount of borrowings required will be determined by the amount of savings that can be achieved through the value management process and potential revenue derived from alternative funding sources.

We have been fortunate to receive $36.68M in state and federal government funding. This can only be used for the aquatic centre - if we don’t use it, we’ll lose it.

We invite you to provide your feedback on the draft revised budget to Council by 26 July. A decision will be made at the August Council meeting.

Find out more and provide feedback on draft revised budget

Where and when is the centre planned to be built?

Construction is planned to start later this year and finish in 2026.

The new centre will connect with Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay and become its new primary entry point.

A total of 310 new car parks will be provided, along with new access paths and bike parking.

An indicative layout of the new facility and the proposed new car park is shown below.

Map overview AC and new car park.png

A temporary parking area will be available during construction and Council has requested for staged activation of new car parks as they are constructed.

A new all abilities accessible path will connect the temporary car park to Kuwarrk Lane and a temporary entry to Wurdi Baierr Stadium, running between the Narrodya courts and Parwan Pitch, to allow users ease of access during construction. The path will stay clear of the existing long jump pitch.

An indicative layout of the proposed path and temporary parking area is shown below.

Further information, including more detailed timeframes for major works components will be available in coming months, before construction starts.

Map overview AC work site, temp car park and path.png

We understand that the construction works will inconvenience stadium and precinct users, however we will work to limit disruptions as much as possible and practical.

It is intended that the stadium will remain open as usual throughout the construction period, however we will advise of any major works/disruptive periods in advance to allow alternative plans to be made.

We will continue to provide further updates as more details are confirmed.

Have a question about the project? Submit an enquiry here

Timeline

October 2021:

Project plan confirmed

January 2024 (TBC):

Final designs
Costings confirmed

Mid 2024 (TBC):

Construction contractor appointed
Building permit
construction commenced

2026 (TBC, date may be revised):

Construction completion

Background information

Council resolved at a Special Meeting on 8 August, 2023 to endorse detailed designs for the Torquay North centre.

Pools will have ramp access, fully accessible change spaces are provided throughout and the centre will have Changing Places toilet facilities for people with high physical needs.

Environmentally sustainable and energy efficient design elements will include:

All-electric power, supported by maximum rooftop solar array.
Lower pool hall ceiling heights – up to 7m, compared with 11m or higher at similar aquatic centres.
Low profile glazing and no skylights.
Minimal heat transfer between internal spaces.
100% rainwater retention and re-use.

These measures reflect a major theme in the Council Plan to demonstrate environmental leadership and strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of Climate Change.

The centre will adjoin and open into Wurdi Baierr Stadium via a single entrance on the southern side of the building. Connections off the Surf Coast Highway will provide car park access and exit, and connections with existing paths will encourage active transport.

FAQs

Why is Council considering borrowing for this project?

The $36.68M in state and federal government funding may provide our one and only opportunity to deliver an aquatic centre for this and future generations. Returning this funding could also make it harder to secure funding for future projects.

Borrowings allow costs to be shared over time. It means future generations can help fund facilities they’ll use.

Our loans and borrowings ratios will remain within the limits set by Council in the 10-Year Financial Plan and Council’s Borrowings Policy with the proposed new borrowings.

Why is the pool costing more than planned?

Consultants with specialist industry knowledge have been guiding our project planning, however building costs continue to rise beyond all expectations owing to inflationary pressures.

Quantity surveyors assessed the project design in December 2023 and at that time determined the project cost would be in line with the project budget. When we went to market, the results came back significantly higher in the space of three months.

Why didn’t Council alter the existing budget, rather than begin a separate process to revise it?

We received the final costings after the draft budget had been released for engagement.

We needed to have a budget in place to start the financial year, so Council needs to consider this proposed change separately.

How much funding has been committed so far?

So far $46,799,111 has been allocated to the project, which includes:

$20M from the Australian Government.
$16.68M from the Victorian Government invested back into the project.
$2.269M through interest earned on grant funding.
$7.85M, which Council has previously committed.
To receive this amount of government funding support for a project is very rare for councils and unlikely to happen again.

What facilities would the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre have?

An indoor 25m pool for lap/squad swimming, learn to swim and leisure.
An indoor warm water pool for learn to swim, exercise, hydrotherapy and leisure.
Gym and programs spaces.
Allied health suites.
Café and supporting amenities.

What benefits would the centre bring?

Health, fitness and wellbeing benefits for people of all ages and abilities, which lead to better community outcomes and reduces the burden on our health system.
Providing social interaction opportunities, which encourage people to connect with others.
Boosting water safety skills, especially for those taking part in learn to swim classes. Australia has seen a spike in drowning deaths in recent years – figures remain above the 10-year average (Royal Life Saving Aus report) - so this has never been more important.
Providing rehabilitation and wellness facilities.

When is construction expected to start and finish (pending funding)?

Works are expected to start later this year and be completed in 2026.

Can I provide feedback on the draft revised budget?

Yes, you can provide your feedback on the draft revised budget to Council by 22 July. A decision will be made at the August Council meeting.