Cr Cynthia Watson: The Kew Recreation Centre is undergoing a major transformation. This particular facility is one of Boroondara's oldest, and is in much need of an update so that it can better meet the needs of our community. It's one of the major infrastructure projects in this year's Council budget.

During the course of coming to this particular point, we engaged in community consultation and listened to what you had to say about what it was that you needed.

I now wish to hand the time over to Councillor Phillip Healey who is the ward councillor for the Studley Ward.

Cr Phillip Healey: Over the past two years we've been consulting closely with you, the community, to develop a design that will meet the needs of our growing community and provide a centre that is accessible to all for years to come.

Everything you told us throughout this consultation supported our vision for the new Kew Recreation Centre to meet the current and future needs of the community. Facilities for all ages, abilities and fitness levels provide a range of health and wellbeing options and increase opportunities to socialise and gather. We recognise the importance of providing a great facility for young families and older adults in particular as the demographics of Kew continue to change. There is a big focus on universal design principles and accessibility.

The Boroondara Stroke Support Group will benefit from a purpose-built office and activity space to meet their growing needs. A sensory room to provide a space for families with additional needs to withdraw from the busy environment and is often found at pools and gyms. A spa that will be the first of its kind, fully accessible via a ramp. This is a fantastic achievement as spas are usually inaccessible to people in wheelchairs or those who have mobility issues.

We're also conscious of our commitment to the environment. We've included a number of measures to ensure it meets Council's Sustainable Buildings Policy, including the key principle of achieving a minimum five-star, green star equivalent rating.

We look forward to welcoming you to the new centre in 2022, a place that the people of Kew and the broader community can be proud of for the next 30 to 40 years.

Cr Felicity Sinfield: The new centre will be suitable for people at all stages of life to keep active and health, play team sports or simply catch up over a coffee. The new Kew Recreation Centre will be a great place for the whole family.

The new centre will provide modern fitness and aquatic facilities including a dedicated learn to swim pool for swimming lessons, two much-needed sports courts for sports like basketball netball, futsal and other indoor stadium sports, four group fitness studios, two allied health suites, and a larger more functional gym area.

There will be even more opportunities for people to socialise in an expanded cafe setting. It will be easier for visitors to access the centre than ever before, with increased on-site parking including both accessible and family car parks. 

You will be pleased to know that there will also be a wider range of changing facilities, including a dedicated family changing area and change rooms for school groups. We have also included a childcare facility because we heard during community consultation just how important that was to you.

Charlotte: There's a party room for special occasions and birthdays.

Ollie: There's an awesome actual play area for kids like me.

Harry: Hey, it's not just for the little kids. I'm so excited!

Charlotte: Me too!

Ollie: Me three!

Mr Enver Erdogan MP: I'm so excited that we're getting on with building the Kew Recreation Centre. This project will transform aging existing facilities with a modern state-of-the-art facility that caters to all ages and abilities. It will provide the community with recreation and activity spaces, as well as providing amenities for community groups and organisations that are the lifeblood of our community. That's why I'm so proud that the Victorian Government is supporting this project in partnership with the City of Boroondara.

On behalf of my colleagues, I say congratulations. I look forward to working with you as we bring this fantastic initiative to life.

Cr Cynthia Watson: We look forward to opening our doors in 2022-23 to an all-abilities centre At the other end of this process will be something that will be quite special for the community - much loved and much used.