Photo: Christchurch City Council

Mayor of Brimbank, Cr Margaret Giudice said work was continuing in preparation for the project which would include multiple services under one roof and a new aquatic and leisure centre.

“We know the community is getting very excited about what we have planned for St Albans Leisure Centre. We are too!

“We’ve now confirmed what leisure and aquatic features the community can look forward to enjoying in the upcoming development.

“Each component has been selected considering information we’ve gathered over some time, including consultation undertaken as part of the 2014 feasibility study into the replacement of the centre, as well as looking at population and centre operational and leisure trends,” the Mayor said.

Confirmed indoor aquatic and leisure features include:

• Two water slides
• A 51.5m, ten lane competition pool with moveable boom and access ramp
• Leisure water/Learn to Swim Program Pool
• Warm Water Program Pool with adjoining spas
• Water play unit and splash pad
• Dry and steam saunas
• A gym with 24-hour access
• Group fitness/function rooms
• A wellness centre including a community program room

Other features will include a café, multiple wet and dry change rooms, including family change, and a crèche.

Council is in negotiations with short-listed community organisations to explore opportunities for co-location that will enable delivery of integrated health and wellbeing services to the community.

A design team will also shortly be engaged to complete a design before construction starts next financial year.

“Our aim is to create a world-class health and wellbeing hub that will play a key role in delivering significant and measurable social and health outcomes for the community.

“It will be a landmark project for Brimbank and the region,” the Mayor said.

Council has allocated $1.8 million in its 2018/2019 Budget for design of the project. Construction is proposed to start in 2019.

The Health and Wellbeing Hub is expected to cost in excess of $53 million to build.

Council is looking to attract the support of the State and Federal governments and an investment of about $25 million.