The facility will be constructed at the site of the existing Kangaroo Flat Community Centre in Browning Street and will also feature an adventure splash park, multi-purpose flexible program rooms, a creche, cafe, wet and dry changerooms, landscaping, bus access and car parking for about 160 vehicles.

The old community centre will be demolished to make way for the new facility, a two-storey building.

The four swimming pools will include a 50 metre indoor pool, learn to swim/toddlers pool, a hydrotherapy/exercise pool and spa and a children’s beach entry splash play pool.

The City of Greater Bendigo is making development of the proposed aquatic centre its number one priority, but the project is subject to both state and federal government support.

The proposed aquatic and leisure centre comes with a $28 million price tag.

The concept plans were released to the media yesterday morning ahead of last night’s council meeting. 

Local media attended a press conference with City of Greater Bendigo mayor Lisa Ruffell, chief executive officer Craig Niemann, city futures director Stan Liacos and recreation manager Patrick Jess.

Mr Niemann is hopeful the project will come to fruition within the next three to four years.

“With elections coming up and where we are at the moment in the process, we would like to have commitments over the next two years locked away for our council to then be able to move forward with the real detail, tender and then built,” he said.

Mr Niemann described the project as one of, if not the, biggest project council had ever tackled.

He said the proposed facility would serve the Bendigo community, and surrounding communities, well into the future.

“I think the community would love to see a facility like this in Greater Bendigo,” Mr Niemann said.

“We haven’t had too much negativity about the need for it and in fact lots and lots of support.

“So we think that’s a real positive.

“Pools are important to communities, we’ve seen that over the last few months, and we want to make sure we can deliver on this initiative and make sure council priorities are delivered on.

“And what we’re doing is delivering them for the community for the people of today and in future to use.”

Cr Ruffell said the development of a new Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Leisure Centre was an exciting major project for council.

“I encourage residents to take some time to view the plans online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au,” she said.