Jennifer Pittorino
Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club (WS&LSC) president Claire Howell has told club members that the club board has received a verbal commitment from Hobsons Bay council that the development process ’is on pause’.
A meeting was held in late November to provide members with an update on development plans.
The $14.3 million redevelopment will involve retention of the pavillion, improved storage areas and amenities, a new café and public toilets, a new observation tower, gym, sauna and meeting spaces and improved landscapes.
The old pool will be demolished and removed.
Ms Howell said the club board was pleased to have a verbal commitment from the council that the development process is on pause.
“Council has paused any further pressure to push forward any plan amendments until at least their February meeting, as they recognise they need to assess the council survey responses and take them on board,“ she said referring to the council’s community survey which closed on December 10.
As reported by the Star Weekly, a petition has been created raising concerns that the redevelopment plans significantly alter the club’s capabilities and criticises the decision to remove the outdoor pool.
Previous club president Ian Dickson attended the meeting and said he hopes the pool will be saved.
“I think council has misjudged the history of the club and its significance, in the role it plays within the community,“ he said.
A Hobsons Bay spokesperson said council has worked closely with the club, the state government and Life Saving Victoria to develop concept plans.
“The concept plans are still on public exhibition, so club members and the community are able to provide their feedback,“ they said.
“All feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of finalising the design before the schematic design is developed early next year.
“The current project budget is not sufficient for the redevelopment or construction of a swimming pool while also delivering the core life saving requirements onsite.”
