By Parker McKenzie
Monbulk Aquatic Centre will undergo two weeks of final “touch-up works” before an expected re-opening on Thursday 1 September after being closed for over a year.
The roof of the centre was damaged during the June 2021 storm event, causing the pool to be unusable and closed for 14 months.
Belgravia area manager Darren Allen said staff members at the centre are delighted to reopen the pool, group fitness studio and crech once all the repair work is completed.
“Behind the scenes work will continue with the plant room and mechanical services that will take some further time to complete,” he said.
“We do ask for the community to stay connected with us to stay informed of any changes to services while the works are completed.”
The repair works completed by Bay Building included removing and repairing the damaged roof, the installation of new conditioning ducts and tiling the floor of the pool. The pool tiles weren’t damaged during the storm, but the retiling of the 25m pool was completed while the facility was unusable.
Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham said the closure has been a frustration for the Monbulk community.
“We know the important role this facility plays in the health and wellbeing of our residents so to have this reopening in time for Spring is great news,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that the pool had to be closed for so long, but this work to repair the centre has also meant that we’ve reduced the risk of any additional future works being required, by addressing any underlying issues now and minimising any future disruptions to patrons.”
Online videos posted by Monbulk Aquatic Centre’s Facebook page on Thursday 18 August show the pool has been refilled and heating of the water is underway.
“The pool is FULL! Filtering and heating has begun. Get ready to make a splash with us.” The Aquatic Centre said.
Mr Allen said the centre is a really important part of the community.
“We know that by the number of calls and emails we have gotten over the last year asking us when the pool was going to reopen,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that the repairs were taking place during the pandemic with multiple lockdowns, which affected workers and caused delays in getting materials, but I am glad that Council has been able to provide support to us throughout the construction phase and that we are now at a place where we can reopen the pool for the Monbulk community to enjoy.”
