Revised budget and timeline for Kensington Rec. Centre

City of Melbourne councillors have endorsed an additional $17.2 million to complete asbestos and soil removal and remediation works on the Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre (KCARC) redevelopment site, with the project now expected to be complete in early 2025.

The revamped KCARC was set to open to the community in 2023, however the council has now been forced to revise the facility’s revised timeline and budget following the discovery of a small amount of asbestos at the site in July last year.

The total cost of the project has now been set at $68.2 million – a $26.2 million increase on the original $42 million budget, which councillors endorsed at their March 28 meeting.

While the asbestos did not pose any health risks, the affected soil had to be taken away by licensed specialists before construction could continue. Soil excavation works began in November 2022.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said, “more than 75 per cent of the affected soil has been removed, and construction has recommenced”, with further soil removal and pre-drilling works now on track to be completed by mid-2023.

“We know this is disappointing for the local community, who are eagerly awaiting the opening of this exciting new facility – but the safety of our community is our highest priority,” Cr Capp said.

“We’ll continue to update local residents and businesses as the project progresses and look forward to welcoming the community to the centre as soon as possible.”

The new KCARC will feature a 25-metre pool, a gymnasium, three full-sized, multi-purpose courts, community spaces for classes and events, a café, health and wellness areas and accessible change rooms.