A $60 million upgrade of the Bayfit Leisure Centre in Altona North is proposed as part of Hobsons Bay council’s draft aquatic plan, which was endorsed at its meeting on 18 November.
The draft 2025-2030 plan follows a review into council’s previous 2019-2030 aquatic strategy which was commissioned in April after council voted to pause the proposed Western Aquatic Centre development in Altona Meadows due to cost blowouts.
Originally costed at $60 million, the price tag for the proposed aquatic centre at Bruce Comben Reserve has increased to more than $100 million, with $90 million to be funded by council.
Under the draft aquatic plan, the Western Aquatic Centre will be paused for a further five years until a new aquatic strategy is developed.
In the meantime, staged upgrades at Bayfit are proposed, including waterplay features, a new and expanded gym, new warm water pool and updated changerooms
The five stages are projected to cost between $5 millon-$20 million each and be delivered over a 5-15 year period.
In addition, a maintenance plan for the recently upgraded Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre is also in order to preserve the recent renovations.
Speaking in support of the draft plan, Cr Rayane Hawli said she was excited about the prospect improvements finally being made to the Bayfit facility.
“It is very clear that substantial upgrades are needed to ensure it meets the needs of the community,” Cr Hawli said.
Cr Daria Kellander also spoke in support, while taking the opportunity to slam the Western Aquatic Centre proposal.
“The costly unfunded western aquatic facility, now estimated to cost $100 million, I believe was a fantasy,” Cr Kellander told the chamber, adding that $2 million spent on designs for the facility had now been written off.
While endorsing the need for an updated aquatic strategy, Cr Paddy-Keys criticised the lack of funding for the proposed Bayfit upgrade.
“This review sets us up with almost $60 million worth of unfunded projects, just at a different site, Bayfit this time,” Cr Keys-Macpherson said.
