Eltham residents can keep fit in style at the new and improved Eltham Leisure Centre, which was officially opened today after a redevelopment worth more than $4.5 million.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino officially opened the revamped leisure health and fitness facilities today and said the upgraded centre would encourage the local community to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorian communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Merlino said.
“The redevelopment doubles the gym space and program area, providing more room for members, groups and casual users to get active and enjoy exercise using the latest fitness equipment.
“The redevelopment doubles the gym space and program area, providing more room for members, groups and casual users."
“There’s also a new reception area, indoor and outdoor cafe, meeting room, three consulting rooms, cycling studio and a crèche area.”
Mr Merlino said the Brumby Government provided $500,000 to the project as part of the Community Facilities Funding Program.
He said funding for the redevelopment also included water efficiency initiatives such as the installation of a 250,000 litre tank
“The saved water will be used on the surrounding landscaped areas and within the leisure centre to help reduce impact of the drought,” Mr Merlino said.
“By helping communities invest in water-efficient assets for local sports facilities, we are making a difference now and into the future to meet the challenges of the drought.”
Member for Eltham Steve Herbert MP said the redeveloped leisure centre was a major boost for the local community.
“Our local sport and recreation facilities are vital to the social wellbeing of any community and by improving the quality of those facilities we are encouraging greater participation for local people,” Mr Herbert said.
“The new facilities complement Eltham’s existing 25-metre heated indoor pool, water slides, spa and sauna, dual court stadium, tennis courts, wet and dry family change rooms, disabled change rooms, barbecue and outdoor play area, and on-site car parking.”
Mr Merlino also commended the Nillumbik Shire Council for its substantial $4 million contribution to the project.
The Brumby Government’s Community Facility Funding Program has invested $170 million through to improve more than 1870 sport and recreation facilities across Victoria.