Sunbury residents including those undergoing rehabilitation will no longer have to travel to access a warm water pool.
Sunbury Leisure and Aquatic Centre has been earmarked for a $4 million upgrade, the day after its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins was in town to announce a $2 million grant from the Interface Growth Fund on Monday.
She said a new 15 x 12 metre warm water pool meant the centre would be able to cater for a rapidly increasing population, with the number of people living in the town expected to increase by almost 50 per cent over the next 15 years.
More than 10 per cent of Sunbury’s population is aged 65 or older.
‘‘The Sunbury warm water pool will provide a great facility for residents, who won’t need to travel to other areas to take their kids to the pool or for things like mobility classes,’’ Ms Hutchins said.
Hume mayor Helen Patsikatheodorou said the exciting development would make the aquatic centre even more popular.
‘‘This town looked a lot different 50 years ago, and so did the pool site,’’ she said.
‘‘These improvements will ensure the centre meets the needs of the community well into the future.
‘‘The new pool will also make more spaces available in the existing 25-metre indoor pool.’’
‘Terrific design’
Cr Patsikatheodorou said the council had proposed a ‘’terrific’’ design including space for ramp access and a spa.
‘’The pool shall help residents to exercise their muscles and develop greater strength.
‘’It will be particularly useful to anyone with mobility issues.’’
Construction will start in June and is expected to be completed by September 2017.
The announcement comes less than a fortnight after Hume council purchased land for a new global learning centre and library in Macedon Street.
