Scoping redevelopment of Aqualink Nunawading
Whitehorse City Council is considering redeveloping Aqualink Nunawading.
Aqualink Nunawading is a much-loved facility that has been serving the community for more than 60 years. Without a major redevelopment there is a risk this facility may not be able to continue to operate in the years to come.
To ensure Council can continue to provide aquatic and recreational facilities for the community for generations to come, a major upgrade of Aqualink Nunawading will be needed.
The recent business case explored costs, community needs, timeframes, and inclusions for a potential redevelopment.
Council has not yet committed to the redevelopment. The next phase of the project will help to further inform Council’s future planning for the facility.
We will continue to keep the community updated as the project progresses and will undertake community consultation on the project in due course.
To stay informed on this project, you can register to receive updates.
Why is Aqualink Nunawading important?
Aqualink Nunawading is a highly valued community asset. Each year it attracts more than 500,000 visitations, provides learn to swim classes for over 2,500 children and adults, and currently has 3,100 registered members.
The centre plays an integral part in the health and wellbeing of the Whitehorse community. The learn to swim classes provide life-saving swimming skills for children and adults, while the pool and gym facilities support our community’s physical and mental wellbeing. The centre also offers a range of inclusive and supportive community programs and events.
In addition, the centre has been the training ground for Olympic and World Championship swimmers, water polo and triathlon athletes.
Why does it need to be redeveloped?
Aqualink Nunawading is over 60 years old. The building, its machinery and equipment are ageing and maintenance of the facility is becoming increasingly challenging to service. Without a significant redevelopment, the facility is at risk of failure and closure by 2032.
While the facility is highly valued by the community, the current pool is not easily accessible for people with mobility issues and is not considered compliant with contemporary accessibility standards.
The current changeroom facilities are not inclusive for people of all genders and are insufficient for families and school groups.
In addition, the ageing centre is not equipped to cater to the needs of the growing Whitehorse community, with projected population growth expected to increase demand for aquatic and leisure facilities into the future.
What would be included in the redevelopment?
The scope of the potential redevelopment has not yet been finalised. However, further development on the project will allow for exploration of options presented to Council for demolishing the existing facility and replacing it with a new, purpose-built facility.
Due to increasing operational costs and the risk of breakdown of essential machinery within the facility, Council began a process to assess the viability and performance of Aqualink Nunawading.
In 2024, Council commissioned a business case for a potential redevelopment of the facility. The business case concluded that the centre is nearing its end-of-life, predicted to be 2032 and therefore will require significant investment to continue operating in the long-term future.
Timeline
2024 – Business case for potential redevelopment of Aqualink Nunawading commenced.
2025 – Business case is completed.
Early 2026 – Council to consider the business case and has committed to undertaking the next phase of the project development.
Mid 2026 – Council to share an update with the community and undertake community consultation.
Future steps are yet to be determined, however Council will keep the community updated as progress is made.