No, only the pool and spa will close at the end of October 2025.

No, Council will not be selling OLC.

The allocated money will be used to:

• Relocated the gym to the current 25-lap pool area.
• Introduce a new library service that will occupy the existing gym space.
• Develop a new program area where the decommissioned 12m pool is currently located.

The sauna was initially considered for removal with the pool, but after careful review and feedback from members, staff and the community, Council has confirmed it will remain, with minor design changes.

Senior Council staff from multiple departments helped design the project, factoring in facility limitations, program options, the current floor plan and budget.

Council isn’t seeking feedback on the design or layout, but welcomes ideas from members and the community on activities, programs and events for the new spaces.

Speak directly to OLC staff, attend one of the community days or complete the online survey.

The co-design committee recommended including aquatics in the future OLC vision, but a feasibility assessment, outlined in the 23 June 2025 Council Report, found it unviable. Council remains committed to the co-design themes to shape OLC’s future, but aquatics will not be included.

The new library at Olympic Leisure Centre is intended to be a permanent facility. Its initial 30-hour weekly schedule is provisional and will be reviewed regularly. Council aims to work with partners to expand access and extend operating hours.

Future investment and long-term development are planned for OLC, excluding aquatics. This project marks the first phase of its revitalisation and supports Council’s broader redevelopment strategy.

Support for existing members of OLC, includes:

• Members (Direct Debit and Term) have been offered free access to OLC and Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre (IAC) from the 1 of July 2025 through to 31 of October 2026
• Multi-Visit Pass holders are able to access IAC and will have their pass fees subsidised to access IAC at OLC prices until the 31 October 2026
• Casual users receive subsidised access to IAC until 31 October 2026. IAC access is be provided at OLC price.

Yes, OLC will be open all day on weekdays commencing from 1 November 2025.

Facility fees and charges are reviewed in line with the annual Banyule fees and charges and budget review process.

Initially, health and wellness programs will be offered, followed by programs shaped by community feedback.

Council has commissioned a feasibility study for a new zero-depth water play park in Heidelberg West. Community feedback and opportunities will be shared in the coming months.

Council will monitor OLC’s performance through surveys, attendance, program evaluations and community feedback. Key performance indicators will be set based on this input.

Council has committed to delivering a report by December 2026 that will assess the effects of changes to the OLC facility and the closure of the aquatic area.

We will also:

• undertake quarterly check- ins with members and casuals, monitoring their use, discussing any issues or barriers to facilitate continued access to Olympic and/or Ivanhoe
• review membership data, report on access and use of gym and programs
• collect feedback from members and community at the Centre
• collect participation data and feedback from relocated programs.

The gym is expected to remain open during construction. There will be a brief closure (approx. one week) during the transition from the current space to the new location.

View the draft plans for OLC.

• Floor plan for the expansion of gym, new program area and modifications to sauna
• Floor plan and layout for the library

The Women’s Only Program at Olympic Leisure Centre (OLC) offers a culturally safe environment for women on Friday nights from 6pm to 8pm to access the facility.

Banyule City Council has provided the facility and in partnership with program partner, Himilo, RECLINK Australia provide funding to deliver swim lessons for program attendees. Attendees pay an entrance fee.

Originally designed for Banyule’s culturally diverse community many years ago, since 2019 the facility has become opened to all women on a Friday evening between 6pm and 8pm, with only female staff on duty throughout the night.

Pool for swimming, spa, sauna, a sports hall for badminton and gym.

On average, there are approximately 20-25 women using the swimming program each week.

Aquatic services will no longer be available from OLC after 31 October 2025.

Alternative arrangements have been planned for aquatic services nearby at La Trobe University and Ivanhoe Aquatic.

Council is currently exploring if an earlier start is possible for Ivanhoe Aquatic on Sunday evenings and will keep the community updated on progress.

Council is also currently working to identify other alternatives nearby.

Fawkner Leisure Centre, Fridays 6.30pm to 8pm

Fawkner Leisure Centre | Fawkner Pool & Gym | Active Merri-bek

Collingwood Leisure Centre, Saturdays 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Collingwood Leisure Centre | Yarra City Council

Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre, Mondays 8pm to 9.30pm

Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre

Council has been working in partnership with Himilo to share news and updates with attendees via their messaging apps including various WhatsApp groups. In addition, Himilo regularly communicate face-to-face with a diverse range of program participants.

Separately, sessions have been held at The Elsedeaq Heidelberg Mosque, at Olympic Leisure Centre and Shop 48 at Bell Street Mall over recent months to seek feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders.

Unfortunately, no. At its meeting on 23 June 2025, Council decided to close the pool on 31 October 2025, so that works for the expanded gym, new program space and new library can commence.

Council officers have been directly and actively engaging with Himilo, Council’s key program partner to explore alternative options.

The Ward Councillor and Council’s Chief Executive Officer have also had ongoing conversations and engagement with other members of the community to further understand community needs and issues.

Other existing women’s programs explored by Council include:

• Fawkner Leisure Centre - Fridays from 6:30pm – 8:00pm

• Collingwood Aquatic Centre - Saturdays 6:30pm to 8:30pm

These two options were tabled with the inclusion of a free shuttle bus service but based on feedback and due to their significant distance from OLC, they were not supported by stakeholders.

• Thomastown Aquatic Centre – Monday 8pm – 8:30pm - Water Safety Skills then 8:30pm – 9:30pm swimming.

This program was ruled out due to being at capacity.

• Reservoir Leisure Centre

This facility has not offered a women’s only program for several years and currently has no plans to introduce one in the immediate future.

Yes, the facilities are accessible at La Trobe and include:

• Two (2) accessible change rooms (one has shower and toilet), both with baby change tables

• Ramp access to pool hall

• Prayer room available

• Standard female changerooms with showers, toilets, benches, lockers

Council staff have conducted a site visit alongside Himilo to evaluate the requirements for ensuring the space is culturally safe. New blinds are considered necessary to achieve this goal and are being acquired.

In the short term, Council has made provisions for an appropriate temporary block-out solution to enable the program to commence without delay.