ALMOST 45,000 people have used the multimillion-dollar Sunshine Leisure Centre since the opening of its new wing in September.
A free open day on Sunday marked the official opening of the entire indoor area of the centre, including the refurbished pool hall with its 25-metre indoor pool.
The $9.7 million redevelopment of the centre was funded by Brimbank City Council, which contributed $8.22 million, and the State Government, through Sport and Recreation Victoria, part of the Department of Planning and Community Development, which put in $1.48 million.
“This redevelopment has been one of the most anticipated projects undertaken in Brimbank and certainly one of the largest projects ever undertaken by Brimbank City Council,” mayor Margaret Giudice said.
She said that since the new wing opened on 1 September, 44,491 people had visited it and almost 380 people had taken out memberships, exceeding the biggest number of new memberships in a similar period by more than 300.
The free open day included entertainment by Shenanigans Music, the Western Region Concert Band, the Brimbank Multicultural Choir, Sarah De Bono, balloon modellers, clowns and magicians.
Residents were able to participate in a range of “come’n’try” activities ranging from gym to aqua programs, aerobics and a CPR demonstration.
In May, the council accepted the State Government’s offer of $2.5 million for a 25-metre heated outdoor pool complex.
This includes the installation of the pool, a children’s water play area, landscaping, shading, a barbecue area, and safety and security lighting.
The council has committed $600,000 to complete the project, including outdoor change facilities, and consultation has already begun.
At Sunday’s open day, Cr Giudice and the Member for Footscray, Marsha Thompson, unveiled a plaque.
