Council adopts Pines Forest Aquatic Centre Masterplan
Published on 10 November 2021
Council has adopted the Pines Forest Aquatic Centre Master Plan following overwhelming community support for a redeveloped facility with design development earmarked to commence 2023/24.
Councillors voted to adopt the Master Plan at a recent Council Meeting, supporting an option as the community’s preferred future development plan involving expansion of the overall site to include parkland located east and north of the Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (Monterey Reserve) and including a new outdoor learn to swim pool.
They noted that the total estimated project cost of approximately $30.9 million, which includes $1.6 million for an energy efficient seasonal heating option, on the assumption that the project is built in one stage and that construction commences in 2024/2025.
Council will advocate to both the State and Federal Governments for funding to be split equally between Council and the other levels of Government.
Councillors noted funding of $50,000 is currently allocated in 2021/22 Capital Work budget for the concept development and advocacy efforts and committed a further $50,000 – part of the 2021/22 Mid-Year budged review – for strengthening advocacy efforts.
They also noted the exact timing for delivery of the project relies on State and Federal
Government funding being secured and that the design development earmarked to commence 2023/24 will only commence once funding from the State and Federal Government is secured.
North West Ward Cr Sue Baker said Frankston North residents loved the Pines Forest Aquatic Centre and viewed it as a community hub, adding: “The existing Pines Forest Aquatic Centre has been an integral part of the Frankston North and broader regional community for over 40 years.
“It’s been the centrepiece of the Frankston North community for generations and we’re excitedly looking forward to seeing it go from strength to strength. This is a flagship project,” Cr Baker said.
Cr Baker said there was significant community feedback during consultation with 342 responses to the online survey.
Council’s representative on the Peninsula Leisure Board, South Ward Cr Brad Hill, added: “The majority of these respondents wish to make greater use of the Pines Forest Aquatic Centre in the future. Residents also clearly supported a larger land area for future Pines Forest Aquatic Centre developments and the new children’s program pool.
“The option supported includes a new splash pad and water play area, which will enhance the great experience and add to the fun,” Cr Hill said.
Other key aspects of the supported option include demolishing the brick lifeguard station to open up view lines and entrance/exit, constructing a new cafe/kiosk and reception building including new kitchen and dry lounge area plus exterior lounge area, constructing a new changing places and family change areas, developing new sunshade veranda on eastern side of the building and decommissioning the old toddlers’ pool and rebuilding.
The option also includes developing a new dry playground, a new barbecue area and landscape, a new multi-use community room and storage, decommissioning the existing 50 metre pool and constructing a new eight lane 50 metre pool with a dividable pop up swim wall and access ramp and developing a new water slide/upgrading or replacing existing water slide (subject to condition review).
Cr Baker said: “The Pines Forest Aquatic Centre is highly valued by the community for both its social connectivity and recreational purposes. The development of the Master Plan will ensure that the Frankston community has access to a contemporary outdoor aquatic facility for the provision of both wet and dry programs.
“The Master Plan will enhance the reputation for the Pines Forest Aquatic Centre by ensuring the facility continues to unite and inspire the Frankston community to be active and social,” Cr Baker said.
Cr Hill added those interested in keeping up to date regarding Council’s advocacy efforts to secure funding to deliver this vital project, can read more information at: https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Advocacy/Advocacy-Campaign-2021-2025
Peninsula Leisure CEO, Katherine Thom, said: “Pines Forest is extremely popular. We consistently receive fantastic feedback from community members – from those who only just experienced Pines for the first time last season, right through to the locals who have been accessing and loving the facility summer after summer.
“Last year saw the Pines season extended by 34 days and this season we acted on community feedback to open the facility early. It is clear that the local community love the facility.
“It is a space to be active, be connected, be outdoors and this development will only enhance what is already a fantastic local pool for the local Frankston municipality,” Ms Thom said.
Peninsula Leisure Pty Ltd is a subsidiary company wholly owned by Frankston City Council and is charged with the management of Council’s two aquatic facilities, Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre and Pines Forest Aquatic Centre. It is committed to providing quality sports, recreation and leisure products and services with a focus on community engagement and innovation alongside a reputation for delivering exceptional service.