By Parker McKenzie
The retiling of Monbulk Aquatic Centre’s 25m pool has been completed, with further repairs to the damaged roof scheduled before the centre is reopened to the public.
The centre has been closed since June 2021, after the storm weather event felt throughout the Dandenong Ranges caused damage to the roof. Yarra Ranges Council scheduled the retiling of the pool while the pool was inactive to minimalise further impacts to the community.
Council said in a statement the works to restore the roof of the building is expected to begin in mid-February “once the Insurance company who is managing the project repairs receives a building permit which will also help guide Council to a completion date.”
Monbulk Aquatic Centre manager Mark Chang said it will take around 10 to 12 weeks to repair the hole in the roof once work begins.
“We have an indication that we should have more of an exact timeline either this week or next week,” Mr Chang said.
“We’ll have more news we’ll be able to share with the community then.”
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said the council will continue to the community informed while the repairs and upgrades are completed.
“At this stage, a building permit is anticipated mid-February which will enable on-site work to commence shortly after and once the commencement date is known the specific project timeline will be released and will guide us through the respective repair phases.”
“We know that the Monbulk Aquatic Centre is very popular with local residents and we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact and get people back into the pool as soon as we can.”
Bay Building has been appointed to complete the repairs, while trees have been removed and the site has been made safe and secure. A full engineering investigation report and scope of works have been completed by FMG Engineering.
Mr Chang said the Aquatic Centre was “waiting on that final green light to get processed and from there, work will be able to commence.”
“We are really excited about being able to reopen the pool in the near future, which is something that not only the community is wanting but also all our staff too,” he said.
“It’s a really important part of the community and we know that by the number of calls and emails we get about when the pool is going to reopen.”
The gym at the Aquatic Centre and some group fitness classes continue to run as usual. While the centre remains closed, Belgrave heated outdoor pool, Kilsyth Centenary heated indoor and outdoor pools, the Yarra Centre and Olinda Pool remain the closest aquatic centres for Monbulk residents to attend.
