The Kew Recreation Centre will undergo a major redevelopment commencing in mid-2020 that will see it transform into a state-of-the-art facility that is suitable for all stages of life and caters to a wide range of health and wellbeing needs.
Status
The project is currently in the community consultation stage.
We have reviewed the results from the initial consultation period and have developed a proposed design that is ready for community feedback.
The results of the current consultation stage will help shape the final design concept, which will be ready to view later this year.
Have your say
We are now consulting with the community about the proposed design.
The consultation closes on Sunday 13 October.
Find out how you can have your say
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 is 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.
Features of the new centre
Some components featured in the proposed design concept include:
- increased parking on site, making the centre more accessible
- dedicated learn to swim pool for swimming lessons
- secluded warm water pool for gentle exercise and rehabilitation
- leisure water area for children to play and explore
- 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.
Accessibility features
The new centre will be more accessible to people of all abilities and will include:
- 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 will work 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.
Initial consultation period
During the initial consultation period in September 2018, we engaged with over 1,500 people from the community. We asked them to provide feedback about what was important to them and what they would like to see in the new centre to help shape the proposed design concept.
Consultation was conducted through meetings with community groups, workshops, pop up sessions and via a survey.
Results snapshot
The community told us the below key principles were strongly supported when redesigning the facility:
- 95% said it’s important to have facilities for all ages, abilities and fitness levels
- 95% said it’s important the centre meets the current and future demands of your community
- 93% said its important the centre provides a range of options for improving health and wellbeing
- 72% said they want the opportunity to socialise.
The community also strongly supported the following activities:
- group exercise classes
- lane swimming
- rehabilitation and warm water exercise classes
- aqua play for children and families
- meeting to socialise
- stadium sports
- gym
- swimming lessons
- spa and sauna.
We invited the community to give us additional feedback about what would be important. These were the most common themes and suggestions:
- better parking and access
- more pool spaces to accommodate different users
- retain spa and sauna
- better change rooms that accommodate families and school groups
- accessibility for people with a disability
- high standards of cleanliness and maintenance
- consideration of the centre’s environmental impact.
Timeline
|
When |
Stage |
Progress update |
|---|---|---|
|
September 2018 |
Initial community consultation |
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 |
The community have the opportunity to provide feedback about the proposed design concept via an online survey, information sessions and e-kiosks. |
|
Late 2019 |
Final design concept developed |
Available for public to view |
|
Mid 2020 |
Construction to commence |
|
Alternative locations once the centre closes
Once the centre closes for redevelopment, current Kew Recreation Centre members will have reciprocal rights at the other Council centres (Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre and Boroondara Sports Centre) and are welcome to use them.
Members will also have the option to suspend their membership free of charge.
More information
For more information, please contact Hannah Martin on 9278 4646 or at [email protected].
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