Background
Ivanhoe Aquatic & Fitness Centre is an important recreation facility for the local community which opened in the mid-1980s.
About 450,000 people visit the centre each year.
In 2012, Council endorsed a masterplan to gradually upgrade the ageing centre over the next 10 to 15 years.
Read about the journey of the project below, or jump down to 'What's next'.
Project stages
Stage 1 included:
- a larger gym and group fitness area
- better amenities and improved access
- an improved reception area and a new social space for customers
- refurbished internal and external areas of the centre
- more office and storage space for staff.
The original scope for Stage 2 included:
- repairing and upgrading the existing 25 metre pool
- adding a new program pool for swimming lessons, aqua classes and warm water activities
- adding interactive water play equipment
- upgrading and moving the spa and sauna
- building new and upgraded change rooms.
Engagement
From 2020 to 2022, Council spoke with stakeholders to review the 2012 Masterplan. This helped confirm what Stage 2 should include, explore sustainable design goals, and inform the Draft Banyule Aquatic Strategy.
The feedback showed strong support for:
- more space for aquatic programs
- a warm water pool
- a new spa and sauna
- a focus on zero emissions.
Endorsed concept for stage 2
Following consultation, Council endorsed the Stage 2 concept below on 26 September 2022 to move into detailed design.
The endorsed concept includes:
- a new pool hall with new aquatic facilities and amenities
- a new 10m x 12.5m learn to swim pool, 0.9m to 1.2m deep, with ramp access and water temperature of 31.8 to 32 degrees
- a new 14m x 10m toddler pool, 0.4m deep, with beach entry, play features and water temperature of 31.8 to 32 degrees
- a new 25m x 16.8m pool, 1.0m to 1.8m deep, with ramp access, seven lanes and water temperature of 28 degrees
- a new concourse
- a spa, sauna and steam room.
2026 – Planning for full masterplan completion
After reviewing the business case and financial analysis at the May 2026 meeting, Council resolved to prepare plans and costings for the rest of the masterplan. This includes Stage 2 aquatics, a gym expansion, new program areas, more car parking and landscaping. View a copy of the Council report.
What's Next?
With Councils 2026/2027 budget now adopted we will invite broader community to share their feedback on completing the Masterplan. This stage will focus on::
- sharing the endorsed Aquatics Hall plans
- seeking feedback and ideas about the gym, program areas, car parking and landscaping.
This feedback will help guide the detailed design process, which is expected to start in September 2026.
