Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre

HALC is now closed while we build you a new Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre.

 

Image credit: Peter Edgeley, August 2011

Enjoy your first look inside the new centre

An architectural flythrough of the redeveloped HALC provides a 3D animation virtual tour of what the redeveloped HALC is anticipated to look like upon completion.

Project overview

The Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre (HALC) in Linda Crescent, Hawthorn is the City of Boroondara's oldest aquatic and leisure centre. Community feedback indicates HALC requires updating to meet contemporary expectations and program requirements.

The current building will be replaced with a brand new state-of-the-art facility incorporating a new wider 50-metre outdoor pool, a 20-metre by 10-metre indoor warm water pool, expanded fitness program rooms and crèche facilities, an enlarged gymnasium, as well as a café. The new HALC will focus on providing gym classes, yoga and Pilates, warm water exercise, and flexible program space to accommodate growing local interest in general health opportunities. New safe and secure public toilets will also be provided in the foyer and will be open during the new Centre's opening hours. In light of this, Council is investigating the future of the existing Grace Street public toilet block.

The project is estimated to cost $27 million.

What's happening now?

ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd has taken possession of the HALC site and preliminary works are underway. Initial works have included site establishment and the erection of site fences, as well as the pruning and removal of a number of trees around the existing HALC building.

Council is recycling some building materials from the demolished HALC building such as glass, concrete, roof sheeting and plumbing fixtures. The existing HALC pool shell will remain and be reused as the basement of the new HALC building.

Demolition work is expected to continue until March.

What’s happening with the surrounding trees?

The removal of the trees in early January has allowed the demolition of the existing HALC building and construction of the new HALC to proceed as planned. Strict requirements are in place to protect the remaining trees during demolition and construction activities.

The HALC project incorporates comprehensive re-landscaping at the site, including extensive new native shrub beds and significant native tree replanting.

Alternative facility options for HALC users

Alternative pool space is available at three other City of Boroondara aquatic facilities, and at centres in neighbouring municipalities.

During the temporary HALC closure, HALC members can use their membership at any of Council's leisure and aquatic facilities (subject to conditions). We encourage you to continue your exercise regime at the four alternative Council leisure and aquatic facilities:

  • Kew Recreation Centre (KRC) - phone 9853 6177
  • Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC) - phone 9851 0444
  • Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre (APARC) - phone 9885 0333
  • Balwyn Leisure Centre (BLC) - phone 9857 8031.

Squash players can book court space at Club Hawthorn and Grace Park Lawn Tennis Club, both within 500m of the existing HALC squash courts, and alternative courts are available in neighbouring municipalities.

The next steps

HALC is now closed.

Following the current demolition activities, construction of the new HALC is estimated to commence in April/May. It is anticipated construction will take most of 2012 and 2013, with the new HALC expected to be open towards the end of 2013.

Council is continuing to investigate the implementation of complementary elements of the Grace Park Master Plan so the new HALC is well presented at the beginning of operations. Elements such as Grace Street streetscape works are also being considered.

Project information is on display in the Glenferrie Road notice board in Hawthorn, on Council's website, and on an information board erected at the site. A 3D animated architectural flythrough is also on Council's website and provides a virtual tour of what the redeveloped HALC is expected to look like upon completion.

Additional information

A planning permit was issued on 5 August 2011. View the plans (ground floor, first floor) exhibited as part of the planning permit application.

Have your say

The community consultation period has closed.

How to keep informed

  • Register for project bulletin updates.
  • phone: 9278 4774 - Paul Bennett, Leisure Facilities Development Officer.
  • email: Paul Bennett for general project information.
  • Keep visiting this page for updates. 

Files

In this section

Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre flythrough video

Register

To obtain information about the Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre Project by email or mail, fill out this online form and submit.

FAQs - September 2011

Frequently asked questions about the Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre project.

Decision considerations

Council has four main areas to consider for the new Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre.