By Laura Michell
Swimmers will be making a splash at a revamped Whittlesea Swim Centre from next year.
The planned $1.16 million upgrade of the township’s swimming pool received a funding boost after the state government announced $562,000 for the project.
The government will provide $312,000 from the Growing Suburbs Fund, with a further $250,000 to come from its Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. Whittlesea council will fund the remainder of the project.
The upgrade is expected to start in May 2019 and be finished by October 2019.
The revamped centre will include an all abilities accessible play zone, all abilities accessible pool pod with ramp and para-mobility mobile hoist, upgraded changerooms, shade sails and turf around picnic areas.
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said the upgrade would service the needs of the community by providing a water play space to attract pre-school and primary school-aged children.
“Congratulations to the City of Whittlesea – this boost will go a long way to supporting people in Whittlesea keen to get involved in swimming and water play,” she said.
“The Whittlesea local government area has the highest rate of heart disease in Victoria and this upgrade can assist in turning that around. It’s a great example of how we’re making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians.”
The council also received $2.8 million for a pavilion at Harvest Home Road in Epping North and $1.145 million for the urban streetscape improvement project along High Street in Thomastown from the Growing Suburbs Fund.
The Harvest Home Road pavilion will include a multi-purpose community room with a canteen and kitchen, a terraced all-weather verandah, toilet and shower facilities, committee office and first aid room.
The government also contributed $250,000 from it’s female-friendly funding program for the project. The council will contribute $2.5 million.
In Thomastown, public spaces along High Street will be upgraded, creating a civic space including seats, paving, drinking fountains, bike racks and landscaping. The council will spend $1.45 million on the upgrade.
“The City of Whittlesea is trying to catch up on the provision of infrastructure and facilities that our residents expect and deserve,” Mayor Kris Pavlidis said.
