Update

Council engaged with the local community regarding the redevelopment for the Burnside Swimming Centre and the majority of respondents supported the upgrade. During the engagement process the community made references to the natural atmosphere, the greenery, the park location and the outdoor environment with trees and open space.

Respondents were asked to consider the following three options for improvements to the George Bolton Swimming Centre Burnside and rate them from first to third preference:

Option 1 – essential infrastructure repairs.
Option 2 – with the focus on improving the swimming facilities and returning land currently used for recreation back to open space.
Option 3 – with its focus on improving both swimming and recreation facilities within the current swimming centre boundary.

There was no single option that was favoured; therefore the results of the engagement were used to develop a preferred ‘scope’ for the project. The ‘scope’ has been endorsed by Council following an additional round of community engagement, and is consistent with the majority of the findings throughout the community engagement process.

The approved scope represents a good balance between the requirements of the facility in terms of necessary improvements, and that of the overall wishes of the community.

Council sought specific advice on heritage issues in relation to the project, noting that Hazelwood Park is a State Heritage Place which is subject to the conditions and obligations in a Deed of Transfer from the Minister for National Pleasure Resorts, dated 2 January 1964.

Council also undertook significant engagement with Arborists before commencing the works.

The George Bolton Swimming Centre redevelopment includes the following:

• Refurbishment of the main building including painting, Disability Discrimination Act improvements, upgrade of external toilets and significant improvements to the kiosk area.
• New plant room buildings and filtration systems to ensure legislative compliance.
• New aquatic play space to replace the existing wading pool.
• Landscape improvements including improved BBQ area, increased seating, re-concrete central paths around pool, and general planting and improvement of grassed areas.

Works started in February 2014 and the George Bolton Swimming Centre Burnside will reopen to the public on Australia Day 2015.