The official opening for the $31 million complex in Kangaroo Flat has been set for October 26, nearly a year behind schedule, and is expected to involve local school children and community groups.

A wet winter in 2016 affected initial earthworks on the project, pushing the opening date from December 2017 to mid-2018.

In April the City of Greater Bendigo said the pool would be open by August but re-evaluated that last month, aiming for it to be open by late October or early November, “provided no further delays significantly affect the project”.

The $31 million centre will include wellness suites, program rooms and an all-abilities warm water exercise pool with an access ramp.

Manager Active and Healthy Lifestyles Lincoln Fitzgerald said it was all hands on deck to get the centre open.

“We are on the home stretch now and very excited to be nearing completion,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“The pool hall is looking spectacular with seating now installed and tiling of the pools, pool deck and change rooms now complete.

He said the the colourful indoor splash park tower has been assembled, with the tipping bucket now standing six metres above the ground. It will be installed once tiling is complete.

“The program pool is awaiting the arrival of the pool pod, used to provide lift access to the pool for people with a disability,” he said.

“Upstairs, the floor coverings have been laid in the gym, program and spin rooms, ready for equipment to be installed. Downstairs, tiling of the entrance foyer is progressing well, vinyl flooring of the wellness suites has been completed and the café is taking shape.”

Mr Fitzgerald said that from the outside progress can be seen on the installation of exterior screens and the new 104-space car park. 

He said that landscaping was expected to start soon, which will help the facility blend into its surrounds.

“The next major milestone will be filling the pools and calibrating water chemical levels and getting the temperatures right,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

Read more: Aquatic name causes a stir

“Pool operator Belgravia Leisure is preparing to move in in late September, which will give staff a month to learn how to run the centre, install additional equipment and undergo training.

“Belgravia is in the process of hiring staff to run the centre, looking for people to teach swimming, lead gym and aquatic fitness classes, duty managers, lifeguards, childcare educators, and a Health and Fitness Manager. All up, the centre will employ about 110 people in a mix of full time, part time and casual roles.”

For anyone who has purchased a membership, the first payment will be due on Thursday October 25.

While you're with us, did you know you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates direct to your inbox. Sign up here