Fawkner Leisure Centre Upgrade update

07 Jul 2021

We are undertaking a $20 million upgrade of the Fawkner Leisure Centre.

Earlier this year we conducted four focus groups with the community to help shape the future of Fawkner Leisure Centre. We sent out information to every household in Fawkner (over 5,300 households) inviting them to register their interest to take part in the focus groups.

The focus groups which were run by an external consulting company, included representatives of the Merri-bek community and users of the centres with 48 participants being involved. There was a mix of people including 20 males and 28 females, ranging in age from 12 to 75+ years. There were also people who were parents with young children, people who identified as LGBTIQ+, people with disability and people from a variety of cultural backgrounds including Afghani, Algerian, Australian, Bangladeshi, British, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani and Malaysian.  

The focus group participants identified a range of features which they’d like to see in the concept designs. Some of these included:

  • a cafe
  • changeroom upgrades
  • a new outdoor pool
  • waterplay areas outdoor
  • women's only training/gym
  • BBQ and picnic facilities
  • warm water program pool
  • improved gym and group fitness rooms

Other works will include

  • new entrance point and reception area
  • new spa, sauna and possibly a steam room
  • improved access and accessible changerooms

Access Stage 1 consultation findings

What’s next?

We are looking at all the ideas and priorities the focus groups gave us to develop 3 high-level concepts for the next stage of community consultation.

Our goal is to improve the centre to meet the needs of our growing and changing community.

All 3 concepts will include improvements to meet the latest building regulations and health standards. The ageing facilities need to be replaced and Council staff are currently working on three options for the future – including options for a 50 metre outdoor pool or a 25 metre outdoor pool.

The community will have the opportunity to provide input into the design concepts in stage 2 consultation in August. This consultation will include both online and face to face options.

The Fawkner Leisure Centre is a much-loved community pool and Council has heard community feedback on what’s important for the future and we would like to thank the community for their feedback to date.

Stay up to date Follow us on Conversations Merri-bek for updates and to participate in feedback.