Main construction works

(Started March 2025)

Stage 1 works

• 25-metre indoor pool for lap/squad swimming
• Warm water indoor pool for exercise, hydrotherapy and leisure
• Gym and programs spaces
• Allied health suites
• Café and supporting amenities

Stage 2 works

• A dedicated indoor learn to swim pool
• Indoor splash park
• Spa, sauna and steam room
• More change rooms

Stages 1 and 2 both scheduled for completion end of 2026, with the centre expected to open in the early months of 2027.

Slip lane complete

Construction of a slip lane providing access from the Surf Coast Highway to the centre's car parks is complete

Both lanes of the highway, and the adjacent path are open.

The new slip lane will be used by construction vehicles only until construction of the centre is complete late in 2026.

Ongoing traffic/access changes during construction and car parking options

• Wadawurrung Way is closed near the intersection with Kuwarrk Lane. College Lane is also closed.
• People are still be able to access Wurdi Baierr Stadium. A new path links Wadawurrung Way, Kuwarrk Lane and parking areas to the stadium.

Main construction is expected to be complete late in 2026.

Accessible parking and path

• Four accessible car parks are available for people with disability on Wadawurrung Way close to its intersection with Kuwarrk Lane.
• An accessible route from the car parks to Wurdi Baierr Stadium is available travelling about 50 metres east along Kuwarrk Lane towards Grant Pavilion, then north towards the stadium along the new path between the netball courts and soccer pitch.
• Lighting for the new path connecting Wurdi Baierr Stadium and the new car park will temporarily be provided by spill lighting from the netball courts. Designers are still finalising a lighting approach for the path throughout the remainder of the construction period.

Accessible parks on Wadawurrung Way

Kuwarrk Lane

New path from Kuwarrk Lane to Wurdi Baierr Stadium

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney has announced that Kane Constructions has been appointed to deliver stage two of the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre project.

The Surf Coast community can soon look forward to their favourite aquatic, recreation and fitness activities, with the stage two of the new centre to add:

• A dedicated learn to swim pool
• Indoor splash park
• Spa, sauna and steam room, and
• Additional change rooms.

There will also be additional bench seating, storage and landscaping, and additional car parking making this one of the best aquatic and recreation centres in regional Victoria.

Stage two of the facility is fully funded by the Victorian Government through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

We’re working to get ready for the 2027 opening of the new Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre by seeking an external operator to manage the facility.

With aquatic, gym and allied health facilities being added to the existing stadium, we’re engaging an external management operator to help ensure the centre runs smoothly and remains affordable for our community. Many other councils do the same.

The tender is expected to open in mid January 2026, with the successful company planned to begin onsite at Wurdi Baierr Stadium at the end of 2026.

This change will have minimal impact on user groups and community members, with all existing stadium bookings to continue as normal.

Council will continue managing bookings until the handover has been completed.

We want to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone, so our team will be here to support you and answer any questions along the way.

Council will continue to set all fees and charges for the stadium and centre each year as part of the annual budget process. Café and merchandise prices will be managed by the service provider, but should remain in line with regular market prices.

Construction of the centre is on track to be finished by the end of 2026, with the centre set to open in the early months of 2027.

What does this mean for user groups?

This change will have minimal impact on user groups, with all existing stadium bookings to continue as normal.

We want to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone, so our team will be here to support you and answer any questions along the way.

When do the contractors take over management of the centre?

We expect the successful operator to begin on site at Wurdi Baierr Stadium at the end of 2026. We will let you know closer to the date, once it is confirmed.

Will existing bookings still be honoured?

Yes, the contract states that the service provider must honour all existing hire arrangements for the centre, including Surf Coast Basketball Association and Surf Coast Netball Association. The service provider must also honour arrangements with anyone who has prepaid a fee for the use of a stadium’s facilities.

Will all programs and services currently offered remain the same?

The service provider must continue to deliver all programs and services (or equivalent) currently offered within the first 12 months.

They will meet with all primary user groups before taking over the management and operation of the stadium.

They are also required to work with local schools, community and sporting clubs/associations to understand their needs and implement programs and scheduling.

Will prices of booking courts etc go up?

Council will continue to set all fees and charges for the stadium and new centre as part of its annual budget process.

Café and merchandise prices will be managed by the service provider, but the contract states that these should remain in line with regular market prices.