Frequently Asked Questions – 10 April 2016Eltham Leisure Centre Aquatic Redevelopment

The Eltham Leisure Centre (ELC) was constructed in 1981 and while the gym and sporting facilities have undergone some upgrades since, the aquatic section has not.

The Centre currently has an annual attendance in excess of 760,000 visitors and at its peak, was one of the best performing municipal facilities in Victoria.

Planning for the redevelopment is underway and Council has appointed architectural firm Peddle Thorp Architects. Detailed design has now been completed with construction commencing mid-2016. The expected opening will be early 2018.

Why is Nillumbik Shire Council redeveloping the Eltham Leisure Centre?

A Feasibility Study was undertaken in 2012 which highlighted that the ageing infrastructure needed to be addressed and would require redevelopment in line with modern standards and community expectations.

The deteriorated condition of the aquatic section and plant means that it needs to be redeveloped as was identified within Council’s Recreation Strategy 2011- 2019. The facility no longer meets the needs of the Nillumbik community. The facility provides Shire wide benefit and caters for all age groups. The warm water pool will respond to the needs of our ageing population.

What is being redeveloped?

The aquatic facilities will undergo a redevelopment with the gym, fitness room’s crèche and cafe remaining open during construction.

The aquatic facilities will be fully accessible and include:

New 25 metre x 8 lane indoor swimming pool with ramp entry New 18m warm water pool with ramp entry New leisure pool with beach entry with designated learn to swim area New change room village New family and accessible change rooms as well as group change rooms for school groups New accessible Spa and Sauna New landscaped outdoor area that integrates the indoor pool to the outside environment New multi-purpose room, first aid room, storage and aquatic office New pool plant

New outdoor water play space with bbq’s picnic areas and play area

What is a warm water pool?

The warm water program pool will be a separate pool provided for therapeutic and rehabilitation activities. Fully accessible change rooms will be located next to the pool to assist people with reduced mobility.

How much will the redevelopment cost?

Total Cost – approximately $16.45million

The Shire of Nillumbik has made a commitment of $9.65million towards the project and there has been a $3million contribution from State Government’s Community Facility Funding Program – Better Pools category. Council has recently been successful in an application to the State Government Interface Growth Fund, securing $3.8million.

Council is continuing to pursue other funding options to assist Council with developing the front entrance to the facility.

What are the indicative timeframes for the redevelopment?

The ‘dry’ components of the facility will remain open.

The aquatic facilities will close as of 1 July 2016 and construction will commence.

By early 2018 the new aquatic facilities will re-open.

Are there any environmental features being incorporated in the design?

Energy efficiency is very important and will be a fundamental consideration during the detailed design decision making process.

Will the entire facility close during construction?

It is anticipated that only the aquatic component of the facility will close, although there may be times when the dry facilities experience operational impacts from time to time.

Where can I swim when the aquatic facility closes?

Council is currently investigating a number of options that will be promoted during April 2016.

Further details can be found in the Feasibility Report located within the Related Documents section on Council’s website. www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au