Second chance for Bendigo’s old hospital site | Photos

The idea to build a new centre for rehabilitation services on the former Bendigo hospital site, including the successor to the 25-year-old hydrotherapy pool, was raised as part of the Bendigo Hospital Project.

But the so-called ‘third stage’ of the project did not receive funding.

Labor last week pledged $60 million towards the project, if re-elected.

Related: Bendigo Health cream towers at Anne Caudle Centre to be replaced with day rehab centre

If not, a Bendigo Health spokesperson said the health care group would continue to seek funding and maintain the building infrastructure.

“The pool is being maintained in sound condition but will require upgrades into the future,” they said.

They said there had not been any planning for a new pool aside from the proposed day rehabilitation centre.

Although pool maintenance works are ongoing, it has been about six years since filtration works were carried out and roughly eight years since the most last structural works.

Labor has promised to deliver the project by 2023, if elected, with works to start in 2021.

“Show us the plans,” Liberal candidate for Bendigo East, Ian Ellis said.

He said his party had no specific policy relating to the project, but it was “definitely something that needs to be done”.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.