Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan redevelopment
The Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre has been Manningham’s backyard for over 50 years.
We know the outdoor pool area at Aquarena holds a special place in the hearts of our community - local families spend many summers enjoying the pool, water slides, cafe, and water play.
That's why we're redeveloping the outdoor space. We want to ensure everyone can enjoy it for generations to come. Soon you'll find the high-quality modern facilities you’ve come to enjoy indoors, outdoors.
We’re creating a space that promotes health and wellbeing, intergenerational connections and reduces isolation. A space with innovative and high-quality facilities where you can have fun, get active, and relax.
The Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre has been Manningham’s backyard for over 50 years.
We know the outdoor pool area at Aquarena holds a special place in the hearts of our community - local families spend many summers enjoying the pool, water slides, cafe, and water play.
That's why we're redeveloping the outdoor space. We want to ensure everyone can enjoy it for generations to come. Soon you'll find the high-quality modern facilities you’ve come to enjoy indoors, outdoors.
We’re creating a space that promotes health and wellbeing, intergenerational connections and reduces isolation. A space with innovative and high-quality facilities where you can have fun, get active, and relax.
-
Project update: September 2024
Share Project update: September 2024 on Facebook Share Project update: September 2024 on Twitter Share Project update: September 2024 on Linkedin Email Project update: September 2024 linkOur consultation for the new outdoor water play area has now closed.
We gathered your preferences for various water play elements through interactive pop-up sessions and an online survey.
Here’s a summary of what we found:
- a preference for brightly coloured water play equipment.
- the tipping bucket and slide were the most popular features.
- the spray link tunnel, spray hoop, and cascade features were also highly rated.
- requests for a non-slip pool surface and appropriate shading over the play area.
We’ll incorporate this feedback into the design of the water play area as we continue with the detailed design of the upgrade.
-
Meet us at Aquarena this month!
Share Meet us at Aquarena this month! on Facebook Share Meet us at Aquarena this month! on Twitter Share Meet us at Aquarena this month! on Linkedin Email Meet us at Aquarena this month! linkMeet us at Aquarena this month! We’re hosting four pop-up consultations to seek feedback on Aquarena’s new outdoor water play area.
We’ll be in the foyer at Aquarena at the following times:
- Wednesday 28 August 9.30am to10.30am
- Wednesday 28 August 4.00pm to 5.00pm
- Thursday 29 August 10.00am to 11.00am
- Saturday 31 August 11.00am to 12.00pm
We want to know which water play elements and colourings you want to be included.
Not around at these times? Provide your input by completing our survey before Sunday 8 September.
For more information or questions about this project, visit our Your Say Manningham page or contact us on 9840 9333 or manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.
-
Design is underway for Aquarena's outdoor redevelopment
Share Design is underway for Aquarena's outdoor redevelopment on Facebook Share Design is underway for Aquarena's outdoor redevelopment on Twitter Share Design is underway for Aquarena's outdoor redevelopment on Linkedin Email Design is underway for Aquarena's outdoor redevelopment linkAn exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of Aquarena's outdoor redevelopment.
The project's detailed design is now underway, following Council's endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.
Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.
“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups. The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.
“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”
We've appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life.
“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.
“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.
Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.
“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.
Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets.
“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.
The replacement of the centre's 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.
“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.
“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added.
The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.
Project updates will be available on our Your Say Manningham page. Subscribe to the project to receive updates directly to your inbox.
Follow Project
Check out the concept design
Project timeline
-
Community consultation
Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan redevelopment has finished this stageOctober 2021
We gathered feedback to understand what is important to users of the outdoor area at Aquarena.
-
Consultation with seasonal users
Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan redevelopment has finished this stageJanuary to February 2023
We gathered feedback from summer/casual users about what they consider important for the outdoor area, via poll.
-
Draft Masterplan endorsed by Council
Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan redevelopment has finished this stageMarch 2023
The Draft Masterplan was considered for endorsement at the March 2023 Council Meeting.
-
Community consultation on draft Masterplan
Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan redevelopment has finished this stageApril to May 2023
Community consultation opens at 10.00am on Monday 3 April and closes at 4.00pm on Monday 15 May 2023.
-
Consultation review and Masterplan finalisation
Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan redevelopment has finished this stageMay to June 2023
We will consider all feedback and refine the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan.
-
Final Masterplan endorsed by Council
Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan redevelopment has finished this stageAugust 2023
Council endorsed the Masterplan at its meeting in August 2023.
-
Design development
Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan redevelopment is currently at this stage2024
We're working with architects to design the redevelopment.
-
Construction
this is an upcoming stage for Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan redevelopmentConstruction is expected to begin in 2025.
FAQs
- Why do we need a masterplan for the outdoor area at Aquarena?
- What principles are guiding the redevelopment design?
- What will the Masterplan redevelopment deliver?
- What's happening with the toddler pool area?
- What's happenning with the cafe?
- What's happening with the tiered grass and shelter area beside the 50 metre pool?
- What's happening with the 50 metre pool?
- What's happening to the diving pool?
- What alternative design options were considered?
- How much are we spending?
- Why are you proposing to spend rate payers’ money on this project when there are other priorities?
- Who are the designers and builders for the project?
- How sustainable will the new area be?