Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre to open this September

The long-anticipated Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre (KCARC) is set to open its doors in September, with final construction works now under way at the Altona St site.

The City of Melbourne says that the state-of-the-art facility will become one of the municipality’s premier health and wellness destinations, boasting a 25-metre indoor pool, a children’s water play area, three full-sized multipurpose courts, and a gym four times larger than its predecessor.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece praised the milestone as a “major win” for the growing Kensington community.

“We’re excited to announce the new and improved Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre will officially open its doors this September,” Cr Reece said.

“I recently toured the construction site, and I am so excited about what is coming. We are about to get an amazing new aquatic and recreation centre.”

“This facility will keep Kensington happy and healthy for decades to come.”

The council said that centre, which replaces the original 1970s-built facility, had been designed with community wellbeing and accessibility in mind. With construction nearing completion, key final works include filling the swimming pools, installing bathroom and changeroom fixtures, interior painting, landscaping, and fitting out the café and kitchen.

The City of Melbourne’s Community, Health and City Services portfolio lead Cr Gladys Liu said the countdown was on for opening day.

“We’re delivering everything our growing community needs to stay active and connected – and we’re counting down the days until we can welcome everyone inside,” Cr Liu said.

“With practical completion fast approaching, the centre will soon be handed over to the YMCA to fit it out and get everything up and running.”

Safety upgrades around the centre will also be completed in the coming weeks, including new pedestrian crossings and speed humps on Altona St and the adjacent service lane. Nearby residents will be notified ahead of time regarding the works.

While originally slated to open in mid-2025, construction delays have pushed the launch to early spring. The council has thanked the community for its patience during the process.

Locals keen to stay updated on memberships, fitness classes and swimming lessons can subscribe to the YMCA mailing list ahead of the official opening. •