We are delivering what is important to you. This is a major project of the Council Budget 2020-21.
The Kew Recreation Centre is undergoing a major redevelopment that will see it transform into a modern facility that is suitable for all ages, abilities, and caters to a wide range of health and wellbeing needs.
Status
Demolition works were completed in February and construction works have now commenced.
The project is currently on track to be completed by mid-2023.
Construction management
The appointed builder, ADCO Constructions, is responsible for managing the work site from early March 2021.
ADCO has prepared a Construction Management Plan (CMP) detailing the processes and methodologies being used during the construction works.
The video below is a recording of the online briefing session held during February to update residents on the details of their plan.
Soil contamination
There is known soil contamination on site due to its former history as a depot. Qualified consultants have mapped out the areas of contamination and are continuing to test the soil as it is removed. This is being closely managed in accordance with EPA and OH&S regulations.
During excavation, an old diesel pit was also uncovered. This has since been removed, along with the surrounding soil. Due to the presence of an occasional diesel smell emitting from the soil, the environmental consultant has also conducted vapour monitoring and has confirmed that the readings indicate a negligible risk to human health. ADCO will continue to carefully monitor and manage this throughout the project.
Timeline
|
When |
Stage |
Progress update |
|---|---|---|
|
September 2018 |
Community consultation phase one |
We asked the community to provide feedback about what was important to them and what they would like to see in the new centre. |
|
2 September to 13 October 2019 |
Community consultation phase two |
We asked the community to provide feedback about the proposed design. |
|
November 2019 |
Plans released |
We continued to work closely with the community on the final design elements for the centre. |
| March 2020 | Renders available to view | Take a virtual tour. |
| November 2020 | Demolition to commence | Demolition of the old centre is now complete. |
| March 2021 | Construction to commence | Construction of the new Kew Recreation Centre has begun. |
|
Early-mid 2023 |
Construction expected to be completed |
|
Alternative locations
Kew Recreation Centre members can use the other Boroondara Leisure and Aquatic Facilities. Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Boroondara Sports Complex and Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre are available for use in alignment with Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
For more information visit YMCA’s Kew Recreation Centre redevelopment page.
About the project
Redeveloping the Kew Recreation Centre provides an opportunity to design a purpose-built facility with modern fitness and aquatic facilities for people of all ages and abilities.
The existing facility was in poor condition and no longer meets community expectations nor caters for future demographic growth. The new centre will create a facility for the community to improve or maintain health and wellbeing, play team sports, connect with others and meet specialised health needs.
The project is outlined as a major infrastructure project in the Council Budget 2019-20 and is estimated to cost $67.5 million.
The Kew Recreation Centre Redevelopment is supported by the Victorian Government.
Features of the new centre
The new Kew Recreation Centre will include:
- increased parking on site, making the centre more accessible
- a dedicated learn to swim pool for swimming lessons
- a secluded warm water pool for gentle exercise and rehabilitation
- an aqua play area for young people to play and explore
- a crèche to support families’ health and wellbeing needs
- bigger change rooms that cater for individuals, groups and families
- two indoor sports courts providing much-needed space for a range of local participants
- allied health suites to support your health and wellness goals
- divided health and fitness areas for both ‘noisy’ and ‘quiet’ group exercise classes
- landscaped forecourt and café to meet, gather and socialise
- a party room.
Accessibility features
The new centre will be more accessible to people of all abilities and will include:
- a dedicated office and activity space for Boroondara Stroke Support Group
- larger change rooms that can cater for families and school groups
- more car parking, including disabled parking and wider spaces for prams
- stair and lift access from the undercover car park
- fully accessible spa via ramp access
- a sensory room to suit families with a range of needs and abilities.
Community consultation
We have worked closely with the community to develop a modern facility that will meet the needs of our growing community, with the latest fitness and aquatic facilities for people of all ages.
Your feedback has helped shape the creation of the floor plan for the new centre (PDF, 1.2 MB).
Aqua play area
We want to ensure the new aqua play area is a fun and engaging space that meets the diverse needs of our community.
Community consultation on the proposed concept design closed on Friday 25 June 2021. You can view the concept design on our consultation page.
Once all feedback from the community has been reviewed and consider, the final design will be shared with you.
HALC Sauna update
During the consultation we heard how much our community valued the sauna facility. So, in addition to a bigger and better sauna within the new design, we’re pleased to share that plans are currently underway to add a sauna to the Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre facility.
This sauna installation was recently completed and now open to the public.
More information
For information about the construction of the new centre, please contact Prudence Ho on 9278 4784 or email [email protected].
If you'd like to be kept informed about the progress of this project, sign up to our mailing list.