By Parker McKenzie
After multiple setbacks stalling progress, Yarra Ranges Council has been informed the Monbulk Aquatic Centre will likely reopen in the next four months.
Building contractors assigned the job advised the council that the centre’s anticipated opening date is spring 2022. The roof of the aquatic centre was damaged during the June 2021 storm event when a large tree damaged it, resulting in the facilities being unusable.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the council has experienced several delays in completing the repairs.
“We understand the frustration felt by the community at the delays in reopening the Monbulk pool and we’re grateful for the continued patience of our residents,” Cr Child said.
“Council is not exempt from the delays in construction being felt across our region and Australia, and like many of our storm-affected community we have experienced many of the same issues.”
Bay Building was appointed to complete the repairs and a full engineering investigation report and scope of works were completed by FMG Engineering.
Mayor Child said Yarra Ranges Council will continue to keep the community informed while the repairs are underway.
“We know that the Monbulk Aquatic Centre is very popular with residents, and we’ve been doing everything we can to minimise the impact of its closure and get people back into the pool as soon as possible,” he said.
“With the additional works we were able to undertake, we will have a leisure centre with significant additional and fully functioning facilities.”
The gym at the Aquatic Centre and some group fitness classes have continued to run as usual. While the centre remains closed, Belgrave heated outdoor pool, Kilsyth Centenary heated indoor and outdoor pools, the Yarra Centre and Olinda Pool remain the closest aquatic centres for Monbulk residents to attend.
