The old Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre is currently being demolished to make way for the construction of a $27 million state-of-the-art facility, due for completion at the end of 2013.

The new two-level facility will feature a 50-metre outdoor pool, warm water program pool, large fitness program rooms, an expanded gym, crèche and a cafe with WiFi access.

Glenferrie Ward Councillor Phil Meggs has been closely involved in the project planning and is excited by the prospect of a new-and-improved Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre.

"The striking new facility will come equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art features that will serve the community for generations to come," Cr Meggs said

"It was a lengthy and thorough planning process, and I am pleased that all members of the community had the opportunity to contribute to the development of what promises to be a first-class facility.

"The old centre had been there for almost 40 years and was in desperate need of redevelopment."

The former Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre was very popular and had many regular users, and while the closure will be inconvenient, there are four other leisure centres within the municipality that are well equipped to cater for relocated users.

Current members can have their membership automatically transferred to the local leisure centre of their choice. Certain conditions do apply.

To get an idea of what the fantastic new Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre will look like, residents can view a specially-designed flythrough at the Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre project page. This website also contains more detailed project information, including the opportunity to sign up for receive regular project bulletins.