More aqua energy for all coming to Sale

A major redevlopment of the Bairnsdale Aquatic & Recreation Centre was opened last year, construction of the new Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in Traralgon is well underway, and we are now getting our first look at concept designs for a multi-million dollar redevelopment of Aqua Energy leisure centre in Sale.

An already busy centre that offers indoor and outdoor swimming, fitness and aquatic classes, a swim school and a gym as set to come into even greater use with improved accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.

“Aqua Energy is visited around 220,000 times per year, from not only people in Sale but throughout Wellington who come to experience these great facilities,” according to Wellington Shire Council Mayor Alan Hall.

“Aqua Energy already caters for every stage of life from babies learning about water safety to our older residents who love the Living Longer, Living Stronger gym sessions and hydrotherapy sessions.”

Wellington Shire Council has approved a concept design that will see the replacement of the 25 metre indoor pool and pool hall, which is 48 years old. There is also greater need for all-abilities access to the entire precinct, which at the moment is limited to only some areas.

Plans for the redevelopment include:
New 25 metre pool, pool hall and water treatment system
New zero depth indoor water play space
New 24 hour gym access
New wet, dry, schools and family change area
New sauna
New on-deck swim school office
Refurbished outdoor pool change rooms
Environmentally sustainability design improvements

Among improvements slated for all-abilities access are Changing Places amenities for older children and adults with high support needs, and the elimination of all internal ramps and stairs so that the entire complex is on one level, providing universal accessibility.

Estimated cost of the project is $12.9 million, of which $950,000 was been confirmed from the John Leslie Foundation, a minimum of $3 million to be sought through external grants and the remainder to be provided by Council through borrowings and the Capital Works Budget.

This concept design image and the one above supplied by Wellington Shire Council.

Meanwhile, for those interested in the $57 million Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre, here’s a progress video as it edges towards its completion at the end of the year: