New plans unveiled for $42m community recreation centre

Designs have been unveiled for a $42m redevelopment of the Kensington Community Recreation Centre, which includes a new pool and three indoor multi-sports courts.

It comes after the City of Melbourne announced that it would invest $10.2 million in this year’s budget in what Lord Mayor Sally Capp described, “will deliver top-class facilities for local residents and create 140 jobs during construction”.

“We know how critical it is to invest in projects that build a better community, create jobs and provide a boost to local businesses,” she said.

“The project includes a 25-metre pool, a water play area, health and wellness areas, three indoor multi-sports courts, a café and enhanced community spaces.”

“We have worked closely with local residents and organisations on the design to ensure it will meet community expectations for decades to come.”

“We will appoint builders by the end of the year, with the centre expected to open in 2023.”

The updated draft designs were released in June after being unanimously approved by the City of Melbourne to proceed to tender last December.

The new development is part of the council’s promise to tackle climate change and reduce emissions, with the centre being designed with several sustainability features.

This includes solar panels, a new green wall, water conservation measures, efficient heating and cooling systems, and double-glazing.

Other facilities include modern dry change areas for court users, four metre run-off areas around the court and eight metres between courts, more flexible spaces suitable for a range of classes and community uses, and additional bike parking.

Originally built in 1976, the City of Melbourne said the centre needed to be replaced to “help meet the diverse community's needs, while ensuring it remains affordable and accessible for all users”.

Concept plans were released in 2019 for the centre, which was based on community feedback.

Last year the council had requested that two optional additions be explored including the expansion of the café footprint to cater for a social enterprise group to potentially operate from the centre in future, and the addition of an outdoor children’s water play area to the southeast of the pool hall.