What's happened so far?

• Contract awarded in January 2026
• Preliminary works (decomission, demolition and preliminary construction works) took place in November/December 2025
• Establishment of new gym area and program room (former pool location)
• Sauna is closed for construction works, however will re-open with gym relocation
• Concepts for library fit out is being drafted in partnership with YPRL.

Member and patron access

• Facility information has been communicated to members and patrons via email, in-person, and on-site signage.
• Members (direct debit and term) received free access to Olympic Leisure Centre (OLC) and Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre (IAC) from 1 July 2025 to 31 October 2026.
• Multi-visit pass holders can use IAC with subsidised fees at OLC rates until 31 October 2026.
• Casual users also receive subsidised access to OLC and IAC prices until 31 October 2026.
• OLC hours have been extended, with the Centre no longer closed from 12 noon - 3pm.

Working group meetings

• Regular meetings with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to identify functional requirements and fit out to deliver library service.

Existing user groups

• Holstep Hydro sessions relocated to Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre in Term 4, 2025.
  • A Friday night Women’s Only program was introduced at La Trobe University in partnership with Himilo and La Trobe
  • A Sunday night Women’s Only program was introduced at Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre.

Staffing

• Staff affected by aquatic closure have been redeployed with shifts at OLC and IAC.
• New OLC opening hours and extended rosters have been implemented.

Design and plans

• Architect appointed and Concept design developed.
• Council and Yarra Plenty Regional Library drafting options for layout of library.
• New gym constructed first, followed by the library.
• Engagement undertaken with community and stakeholders.

View the draft plans for OLC.

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

On Monday 23 June 2025, Council endorsed a new direction for Olympic Leisure Centre (OLC) which saw the closure of the Centre’s ageing aquatic facilities at the end of October 2026.

Council resolved to:

• Retain the existing Olympic Leisure Centre (OLC) building and allocate $1.8 million to expand the gym and program areas and introduce a 30 hour a week library service.

• Provide free access for 12 months to Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre for current aquatic users of Olympic Leisure Centre

• Explore alternative options for the existing women’s-only programming

• Commission a feasibility study for a new zero-depth water play park in Heidelberg West

Further Information / Background to Decision:

• Read the recent service review into the operations of OLC.

• Read the OLC future service model report from the 23 June Council meeting for the background to Council's decision.

View the Council documents from the 23 June Council Meeting.

For information on the Women's only programs, visit the Banyule website.