In short:
Wyndham City Council has reviewed a report into a proposed $128.8 million regional aquatic facility in Tarneit, outlining design, funding and timeline details. The project remains in early planning, with delivery dependent on approvals and external funding.
Riverdale Chosen For Proposed Centre
A report outlining a proposed second regional aquatic facility in Wyndham was presented to council at its meeting on 24 March, following a Notice of Motion raised by Cr Mia Shaw in December.
The motion called for officers to return with initial concept designs, estimated costs, funding options and a delivery timeline for a second indoor aquatic facility in the Tarneit area.
The report set out an estimated design and construction cost of $128.8 million, based on a projected construction start around September 2028.
The estimate included building costs, contingencies, escalation and design, and noted additional costs could apply if early road access or utility connections were required ahead of surrounding development.
The proposed facility was modelled as a regional-scale centre, similar in size and function to AquaPulse, rather than a smaller local facility.
The concept design included a 10-lane 25 metre lap pool, a separate 25 metre program pool, and a wellness area featuring a warm water pool, spa and steam facilities.
It also proposed indoor and outdoor water play areas, along with a gym, group fitness rooms and supporting amenities.
Tarneit West, within the Riverdale precinct, was identified as the preferred location. The report stated the site would serve a projected catchment of more than 170,000 residents by 2040.
However, the site required further planning work before development could proceed. The land was not yet serviced and remained subject to future planning processes, including an Urban Design Framework.
Timing of surrounding infrastructure, including roads, bridges and a future Riverdale train station, was also expected to affect delivery.
The report outlined a funding approach that relied on contributions from multiple sources. It indicated at least $60 million would be required from state and/or federal governments, with the remaining funding to come from council sources, potential private partnerships and borrowings.
Operating projections showed the facility could return a small surplus under high usage scenarios, but was expected to operate at a loss under lower or moderate usage levels.
The timeline presented in the report indicated a multi-stage process, with site selection and planning approvals expected to take between two and five years, followed by design, procurement and construction phases.
Councillors considered the report as part of ongoing planning for future aquatic infrastructure in Wyndham.
