Access to the swimming pool at Mill Park Leisure Centre for people with disabilities is going to get easier once the centre undergoes a multi-million dollar revamp.
The Morang Drive centre is scheduled for redevelopment, with Whittlesea council working through designs for the project.
Last week, councillors endorsed plans that will add a ramp to the 25-metre pool, meaning people with disabilities will be able to get in and out of the pool with ease.
Councillors were asked to consider adding the ramp by Whittlesea Disability Network and Sport and Recreation Victoria, after the agencies were consulted on the council’s draft plans.
A report to council said that installing a ramp would increase the cost of the project from $21.5 million to $24.9 million.
The report also advised that the start of the project would need to be delayed three months to June 2018 to provide time for the access ramp to be designed.
Cr Mary Lalios said adding a ramp to the pool was “the right thing to do”.
“It gives everyone access to the pool in a dignified way … They won’t have to choose one pool over another,” she said.
The redevelopment will create three new pools, including one with water play areas, a larger spa and sauna, new family and group change facilities, an upgrade to the centre’s creche, improved strength training and cardio areas, and an expansion of the cafe.
The revamp is due by 2020.
