Progress is being made on the major redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale, with Council announcing local contractors, Brooker Builders to lead the $23 million redevelopment.

The multi-million redevelopment project is set to transform the centre, with accessibility at the forefront of the design. Once complete the redeveloped facility will boast an entirely new wet area, including a new state-of-the-art 25-metre pool and hall, zero depth water play area, fully accessible single level pool deck for universal access, brand new change facilities, a Changing Places Facility, new sauna, and a long-awaited dedicated Learn to Swim office and coordination space. The gym will see 24-hour access provided, improving accessibility and providing members with access when it suits them best.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye said that the redevelopment is a once in a generation project that will deliver state-of-the-art aquatic facilities to the Wellington community.

“The project is a key component of our Council Plan and one that represents a major investment in the long-term health and wellbeing of our community.

“We have worked closely with the community and key industry stakeholders to design a contemporary community facility that is focused on accessibility and sustainability, meeting the needs of local people, regardless of where they come from, or their socio-economic background.

“Aqua Energy is a treasured community space with an excellent reputation, however the current facility needs a major upgrade to service our growing community.

“I thank the local community for their support and patience through years of planning to deliver this new and improved leisure facility, and I look forward to construction getting started in just a few weeks’ time”. Cr Bye said.

Following a comprehensive and transparent tender process, construction of the redevelopment project has been awarded to local Gippsland contractor, Brooker Builders.  

It is expected that the multi-million project will create 60 new jobs, 28 of which will be directly related to the project and a further 21 benefiting from the flow-on-effects of such a significant project. It’s estimated that 80% of construction work will remain in the Gippsland economy, with a focus on sustainability practices also a key consideration throughout the tender process.

Construction is due to commence in October 2023, starting with preparation works in the coming weeks. It is not expected that preparation work will impact current leisure services, however visitors should be prepared for some service impacts as construction progresses starting October.

Council is finalising service continuity plans to ensure there is minimal disruption to usual services and programming, providing more information in the coming weeks. Users are encouraged to sign up for the Aqua Energy mailing list available on the Aqua Energy website to ensure they receive important redevelopment updates, including changes to services and programming.

More information about the project can also be found at www.aquaenergy.com.au/redevelopment.

The Aqua Energy Redevelopment project is funded by Wellington Shire Council, the Victorian Government through a Changing Places Grant and Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (Sport and Recreation Victoria), the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and local philanthropist, The John Leslie Foundation.

The total project cost is $23 million, including construction, contingencies, facility fit-out, furniture and equipment.

The new Aqua Energy Leisure Centre is expected to be completed in June 2025.