50m pool for Rosebud Aquatic Centre
Published on 15 March 2018
After considering community feedback on the Rosebud Aquatic Centre Business Case at last night’s Council Meeting, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has confirmed it will progress with a 50-metre indoor pool for the future Rosebud Aquatic Centre, set to be constructed at Besgrove Street Rosebud.
“This is a fantastic outcome for our community,” said Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Bryan Payne.
“We will deliver a 50m indoor pool as part of the future Rosebud Aquatic Centre tooffer programs including training, school competitions, education, health and fitness, and special events”.
Council received feedback from more than 7,000 participants from across the peninsula during consultation on the length of the main indoor pool.
Overall 94% of respondents in all the engagement methods preferred a 50m pool.
Cr Payne thanked the thousands of community members who provided their thoughts.
“As well as the 50m indoor pool the Aquatic Centre will feature a learn to swim pool, a warm water program pool and associated health, fitness and wellbeing facilities,” he said.
The Aquatic Centre will feature:
- 50m indoor pool
- Learn to Swim Pool
- Warm water program pool
- a multi-purpose room for health and fitness classes
- gymnasium
- a wellness centre featuring consulting, steam and sauna rooms catering for specialist services such as massage and physiotherapy, relaxation, older adults and sports recovery
- a café offering high-quality food services
- high priority disability access
- access ramps to the main pool, learn-to-swim pool and warm water program pool
- wheelchair access to the spa within the warm water program pool
- family change rooms for persons with a disability or special needs
“This is a great example of what can be achieved when Council and the community work together to make dreams a reality.
“Community feedback indicated a 50m indoor pool size was preferred for school carnivals, lap swimming and the needs of sporting clubs including swim clubs and life-saving clubs.
“We’re excited to bring this 50m pool to our community, and look forward to ongoing community involvement as this project continues,” said Cr Payne.
Seawinds Ward Councillor Antonella Celi said “everyone in the community deserves access to the very best aquatic facilities and that’s why we will be constructing a centre with a 50m pool”.
“It was impressive to see democracy at work to deliver on this project that has been at the heart and soul of our community. Council has listened to our community’s feedback.
“I am pleased to bring certainty to the community that a 50m indoor pool will now be delivered as part of the Rosebud Aquatic Centre,” she said.
Seawinds Ward Councillor Simon Brooks added “the need for an aquatic facility on the southern peninsula was first identified more than 15 years ago”.
“As elected representatives we need to be responsive to our community, and our community has been very clear on what they want.
“The 50m indoor pool for Rosebud Aquatic will deliver a fit-for-purpose aquatic centre suitable for our current and future generations. It really is an exciting time for our community,” said Cr Brooks.
Seawinds Ward Councillor Frank Martin said “we’re now ready to progress the delivery of a state-of-the-art aquatic centre that meets the current and future needs of the southern peninsula community, surrounding areas and its visitors”.
“Our community has been wanting this pool for a long time. With around 94 per cent of the community’s feedback in favour of a 50m pool – it’s time to get on with delivering an aquatic centre featuring a 50m pool that will offer the enhanced aquatic facilities and increased programming opportunities that our community has asked for.”
Nepean Ward Councillor Hugh Fraser concluded "Council is in a strong financial position to undertake this essential 50m pool project for all of the Shire. Over the last 5 years the Shire has paid off $31m of its debt down to $12m by 30 June. This is the result of prudent financial decisions of the last council. The new Rosebud Pool will have a 50 year life. Low interest rates and long term borrowings will ensure the Rosebud Pool will be enjoyed by all of the Shire now and fairly and equitably paid for by present and future ratepayers”.
Council will progress to facility design and development, with detailed design services for the project scheduled to commence at the end of April.
Community members will be able to have their say during the design phases and plans will be made available for viewing on the Shire website once they are developed.
Rosebud Aquatic Centre will be designed and constructed over a three-year period, with the aim of opening late 2020.
Stay tuned for more news as the project progresses at mornpen.vic.gov.au/rosebudaquatic.