Project update - July 2026

Exciting progress is continuing at the Olympic Leisure Centre, with major upgrades nearing completion.

The new gym and program rooms will officially open on 27 July 2026, providing improved spaces for fitness, health and wellbeing activities for the community.

The design and fit-out for the new library have now been finalised in partnership with Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) and have been informed by feedback received through community consultation. Construction of the library has commenced and is expected to be completed by late October 2026.

Thank you for your patience as we deliver these important improvements for the community. We look forward to welcoming you to the new spaces soon.

Stage 2 engagement - library design and layout

Following community consultation in April and May 2026 on the library fit-out and layout, the design has now been finalised and construction is underway. A total of 93 people shared their feedback, including 58 responses through an online survey and 35 contributions via self-service feedback stations at the Olympic Park Community Day, Olympic Leisure Centre and Barrbunin Beek Gathering Place. Your input helped shape the final design, including the library's look, feel and layout.

View the full findings report.

You said. We listened

  • Two bookable spaces

    Most respondents preferred two smaller bookable rooms over one larger space.

    What we've done: The final design includes two bookable rooms for study, meetings and flexible community use.

  • Welcoming and practical library

    Strong support for a library that is welcoming, practical and locally relevant.

    What we've done: The final design, furnishings and layout have been selected, in partnership with YPRL, to create a functional and inviting community space.

  • Flexible and accessible spaces

    Demand for quiet study areas, meeting rooms, flexible spaces, comfortable furniture, technology and accessible design.

    What we've done: The layout and furnishings have been designed to support a wide range of community needs, with accessibility and inclusion at the forefront.

  • Reflecting local identity

    Recognition of Olympic Village history, First Nations culture, local artwork and community identity.

    What we've done: The design reflects local heritage through colours, materials and design elements, with opportunities to showcase local stories and history.

  • Library size and services

    We received many questions about the library’s size, collection, operating hours and programs.

    What we've done: The library will initially open with a 30-hour weekly service and includes flexible spaces, meeting rooms, a children’s area and public computers. Details of collections and programs will be shared soon.

Design vision

Design vision
Indicative mood and feel
Indicative materiality
Indicative loose furntiure
Layout - option 1

Community engagement

Stage 1 engagement - ideas for programs and activities in the new spaces

Between 10 September and 19 October 2025, more than 100 people shared their ideas for programs and activities in the new OLC spaces through an online survey, with many more providing feedback at two OLC Community Days. This engagement helped us hear from a diverse range of voices and better understand community needs and priorities.

View the full findings report.

What we heard

Feedback showed the community wants a welcoming space for everyone with longer opening hours, particularly on weekends. Many people also highlighted the importance of quiet study spaces, community events, after‑school programs, and access to computers and other technology.

The five things the community said matter most are:

  • Borrowing items

    Books, DVDs, eBooks and other digital items.

  • Children, teens and families

    Storytime, homework club and youth programs

  • Spaces and access

    Quiet study rooms, meeting rooms, WiFi, computers and printing

  • Learning and skills

    Language classes, computer skills and maker/STEAM activities

  • Community and events

    Talks, clubs and cultural programs

Background

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.

FAQs

Project updates

Women's only

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

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