Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre
- Project typeAquatic and Health Centre
- Project scheduleDesign finalised. Construction completion mid-2026.
- Contractor nameKane Constructions
Information updated 5 September 2024
The Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre will include:
Stage one:
- Indoor 25-metre warm water pool for lap/squad swimming
- Indoor warm water pool for exercise programs, hydrotherapy and leisure
- Gym and program spaces
- Allied health suites
- Café and supporting amenities
Stage two:
- Dedicated indoor warm water Learn to Swim pool
- Indoor splash park
- Spa room, sauna, steam room
- Additional change rooms
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, stage one. 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.
Victorian Government will fully fund stage two, with the amount to be confirmed.
What’s happening now?
The Aquatic and Health Centre project is proceeding following Council adoption of a revised budget, awarding of a building contract and finalising of a tender price.
The revised 2024-25 budget allows borrowing of up to $6 million to cover increased construction costs which became apparent during our tender process.
Council has resolved to award Kane Constructions the contract at a cost of $46,341,054 (ex GST) to complete stage one construction of the centre, following an extensive tender evaluation and value management process.
Council has also affirmed an external contractor management model for running of the centre as well as the adjoining Wurdi Baierr Stadium.
We have been fortunate to have received $20 million from the Australian Government and $16.68 million from the Victorian Government for the project. This funding can only be used for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre.
Adoption of the revised budget follows a period of public consultation during which six submissions were received for Council’s consideration.
The Victorian Government announced it will fully fund stage two development of the centre, incorporating a dedicated Learn to Swim pool and splash park.
A spa room, sauna, steam room, additional change rooms and additional seating will also be delivered, significantly multiplying the centre’s value supporting health and wellbeing and year-round family activity.
We acknowledge the allocation from the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, which is in addition to the $16.68 million the Victorian Government previously committed to the centre’s stage one.
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.
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.
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
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Stage one
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October 2021:
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December 2023:
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January 2024:
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August 2024:
- Construction contract awarded
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September 2024:
- Stage two plans and funding announced
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| October 2024: (TBC)
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Late 2026: (TBC)
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| Stage two |
| Design will start soon. Project milestones will be confirmed and shared. |
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.
- $2.269M through interest earned on grant funding.
- $7.85M, which Council has previously committed.
The Victorian Government will fully fund stage two of the centre. The amount is to be confirmed.
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.
Location
Wadawurrung Way, Torquay 3228 View Map
-38.306353,144.3223375
Wadawurrung Way ,
Torquay 3228
Wadawurrung Way ,
Torquay 3228
Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre