New Kew Recreation Centre

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 recently completed and construction works have now commenced. 

The project is 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

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’re still working on the details for this area, but are confident that we can create a fun and engaging space to meet the diverse needs of the community.
• We will be seeking community feedback prior to finalising the design for this component of the new centre in 2021.

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.
• We currently anticipate this sauna installation to be completed and open to the public by late June 2021. 

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.