Yarra pool in pipeline

A Melbourne consortium is proposing to build a swimming pool cantilevered over the Yarra River near the Melbourne Aquarium. It would be adjacent to the tourist district and would also have immediate access for office workers and high rise residents in the central business district (CBD).

It is proposed the pool would occupy a site on the banks of the Yarra River near to and west of the aquarium and would cover approximately 20 per cent of the existing public space at Batman Park.

The proposed public complex provides for an open air 35m x 25m swimming pool, a learn-to-swim and training pool, spa pools, a gym, café, hydrotherapy and massage facilities as well as secure storage, showers and repair amenities for city bike riders.

Rejuvenated parkland for family picnics and leisure in an indigenous-inspired filtered garden and wetlands area would occupy the remaining 80 per cent of the public space surrounding the facility.

A Melbourne consortium, Birrarung Pools & Melbourne LifeForm Development, has prepared the proposal. Grant O’Donnell, principal of the consortium, says the proposal incorporates some of the most advanced environmentally sustainable development processes (ESD) yet applied in Australia.

“The architecture, engineering and building processes will be a catalyst for balancing energy usage with urban ecology through energy capture, water capture and leading edge innovation in sustainable development,” he says.

“In effect we will harness water and energy from the precinct to sustain, nourish and enhance the adjoining parkland and public space.”

O’Donnell says that before progressing the complex architectural, engineering and ESD planning needed for such a project, they undertook extensive consultation with their city neighbours, and are in discussions with the City of Melbourne and State Government departments.