By Briar Sinclair
A NEW gymnasium will be built over the existing swimming pool at the Altona Leisure Centre as part of a $10.6 million redevelopment.
The gym will be the last stage of the project, which is expected to begin after April next year and will take two years to complete.
Hobsons Bay City Council approved a concept layout plan for the project at a meeting last Tuesday, which proposes using the current pool as a holding tank to recycle water.
Hydrotherapy, learner, leisure and toddler pools are part of the first stage while stage two of the project involves a new 25 metre pool and the gym extension.
ML Design architects designed the new centre, which has a larger footprint on the land than the existing centre.
The plan incorporates the reuse of the existing building as a gymnasium, a new aquatic hall on the west side and expansion of the other sections to the north and south. The council has said there would be minimal disruptions to customers during the works, which could see the current gym relocated to a different facility in the municipality.
Works and assets director Phillip McDonald told Star the council was investigating using the existing pool as a holding pool.
“The other option is as a ‘labyrinth’, drawing air through a thermal mass inside the old pool before it enters the building so that it cools slightly,” he said.
“Both options are possible and are subject to review by the architects.”
Mr McDonald said pools needed to contain ‘backwash’ water used to flush filters before it is disposed of through reuse in irrigation or into the sewer.
“The existing pool could be used to hold this water,” he said.
“Alternatively, it could be used to hold rainwater collected from the roof before it is used within the centre or for irrigation.
“Council is incorporating as many environmentally sustainable development principles as possible into the project.”
Spotswood Ward councillor Bill Baarini said at the meeting it would be a facility which allowed for cultural, social and sporting outlets and recalled learning to swim at the pool.
“It is one of the landmarks in the city which is undervalued and under recognised.”
Both Cr Baarini and Cr Angela Altair said the pool would serve a larger catchment area when the Footscray pool in Maribyrnong was relocated near Highpoint Shopping Centre.
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In a press statement, Williamstown North Ward councillor Peter Hemphill said the council would provide more than $6 million for the project and the State Government $2.5 million.
The lessee will also make a significant private capital contribution.
“The redevelopment of the Altona Leisure Centre will offer residents greatly improved services, and we will be working hard to ensure minimal disruption while works are under way,” Cr Hemphill said.
“When finished, our residents will have access to a major community facility providing learn to swim, family fitness and aquatic leisure activities.”
Hobsons Bay mayor Renee Caruana said the Leisure Centre redevelopment would be a major improvement to services in the area.
“On completion, the Altona Leisure Centre will be a leading recreational facility for Hobsons Bay and beyond,” she said.
“The redevelopment incorporates environmentally sensitive design principles, and will cater to the broader needs of residents.”
