The need

Residents will know that Cardinia Life is an ageing facility that has been unable to keep up with the number of active locals that are moving into our community. Since Cardinia Life first opened in 2006, Cardinia Shire’s population has more than doubled and growth is projected to continue at a rapid pace over the coming decades.

At the moment, too many locals are missing out on swim classes, community sport, and leisure activities. These are essential to a healthy and happy community where anyone who wants to keep active has plenty of opportunities to do so. Residents with a disability are particularly affected by the lack of accessible equipment and amenities.

Council also places a strong emphasis on improving water safety by encouraging participation in swim classes for all ages. Expanding our local aquatic facilities is the only way to guarantee that everyone in the Shire has the opportunity to become a capable and confident swimmer.

Council has a strong commitment to a sustainable and low-emission Shire. Upgrading Cardinia Life now will allow for the replacement of old and inefficient high-emission equipment with modern alternatives as well as avoiding extensive maintenance work that will be needed in future to keep the current facility operational.

The plan

Council will deliver a total refurbishment of Cardinia Life in three stages, improving and expanding on aquatic, sporting, and community facilities. This will include:

New Aquatic Facilities

• Brand new 50m multipurpose pool
• New splash area and kids' aquatic playground
• Repurposed 25m pool
• Refurbished spa, steam and sauna facilities

Additional Sports Courts

• 4 new indoor courts, bringing the total to 12
• New show court with capacity for 1,500 spectators
• 3 new outdoor courts for casual use
• Refurbished change rooms and related amenities

Expanded Gym, Leisure, and Wellness Opportunities

• New wellness facility for community classes
• Expanded multi-storey 24-hour gym and group fitness room
• Major new gymnastics facility

Better Community Facilities

• Additional multipurpose space for hire
• Refurbished entrance foyer, café, and creche
• New and expanded footpaths, bike paths, and car parks, along with associated landscaping

The benefits

The redevelopment will deliver almost $230 million in gross economic benefits to our community over the next three decades. This includes the direct benefits to users and the local economy, as well as the social value of improved physical and mental health.

Locals will no longer be fighting for limited spaces in the pool and on the basketball court, with plenty of space dedicated to meeting demand from future residents moving into our community. Everyone in Cardinia Shire will have access to a first-class facility for sport and aquatics on their doorstep.

The new Cardinia Life will also provide new opportunities to stay active, whilst modernising existing facilities and equipment. The project will not only allow more locals to take advantage of the facility, but will also provide a significantly improved experience on higher quality equipment for existing users.