Indoor pool plans released

Mount Alexander Shire Council has released a concept design for the proposed $15 million indoor aquatic and leisure centre at Western Reserve.
The concept design is for a contemporary, multi-purpose facility made of timber cladding and glass that is treated to provide a soft, translucent finish.
Aquatic facilities include an eight-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, water play areas for infants and a warm water pool suitable for hydrotherapy and learn-to-swim programs.
Design features include seven tilt-up glass doors on the north and east walls of the pool hall, so that it can be opened up in fine weather.
These tilt-up doors will open onto a grassed picnic area that will overlook the swimming pool and both the indoor and outdoor water play areas. The open air theme extends to the cafe with an alfresco eating area and a crèche with a secure and shaded outdoor play space.
The design includes several new bike paths and walkways on Western Reserve and a 50-space carpark plus a drop-off area for cars and buses.
The total cost of constructing the centre is expected to be $15.2 million; the original cost was estimated to be $14 million in 2009.
Ten-year financial modelling based on similar centres in regional Victoria indicates the centre is likely to generate revenue of $1.4 million a year. Operating costs have been estimated at $1.681 million per year, leaving an annual operating cost to council of $276,000. This will reduce substantially upon closure of the existing Castlemaine pool.
Mayor Janet Cropley said: "The design is sympathetic to the site, locating the building on the southern portion of the Western Reserve."
The design meets the environmental sustainability objectives of council to limit greenhouse emissions and contain energy costs. Some of the features proposed include co-generation and e-water systems cleaning.
Energy usage will be minimised through a heat exchanger for pool hall ventilation and sub-metering technology to control and modify energy consumption throughout the centre.
Cr Ropley said there were a range of ways for people to find out more about the concept design and provide feedback.
"This includes an online presentation and fact sheets covering topics such as design, cost, environmental impact, parking and answers to frequently asked questions."
Additional information regarding the design, cost, parking, environmental sustainability and comparisons with similar facilities can be found on council's website at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au in the Major Projects section.
This section of the website also includes an online presentation of the design with opportunity to provide feedback.
Information will also be available in local newspapers, at council offices and other civic facilities, including the library, senior citizen centres and visitor information centres.
Community members are invited to attend a series of community meetings next month at: Newstead Community Centre on Thursday, January 19, at 7.30pm; Castlemaine Town Hall on Sunday, January 22 at 1.30pm; Harcourt Leisure Centre on Monday, January 23 at 4pm; Maldon Community Centre, Monday, January 23 at 7.30pm; and, Taradale Hall on Tuesday, January 31 at 7.30pm. All welcome.
Council is expected to make a decision by March 2012 on how to proceed with the proposal.