The development of the new Dandenong Oasis, or ‘Dandenong Wellbeing Centre’ (current working title) is one step closer following the appointment of a design team led by CO-OP Studio.
Council resolved in September 2019 to develop a new aquatic and wellbeing centre at Mills Reserve to replace the existing Dandenong Oasis, which is over 40 years old and no longer meeting the needs of the community.
This major infrastructure project is a key recommendation from Council’s Aquatic Strategy, which is based on the vision to get “more people, more active, more often”.
The Aquatic Strategy identifies the new aquatic centre as an indoor multi-purpose facility that will complement the nearby Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC) and have a targeted focus on allied health, passive activity, education, fitness and wellness.
The design process will build on previous planning and consultation, including the high level of community feedback received during the development of the Aquatic Strategy.
The centre will incorporate traditional aquatic and leisure facility components, but with an enhanced focus on health and wellbeing, in response to identified community need. Key facility components are proposed to include a 50m, 8 lane pool (with moveable boom or swim wall), two warm water pools, learn to swim pool, leisure pool / water play, spa, sauna and steam room, gymnasium, program / group fitness rooms, meeting rooms, allied health suites, café, creche and amenities.
Further refinement of the design is expected as part of the detailed design process.
CO-OP Studio were identified as the preferred design team for the new aquatic centre following a comprehensive procurement process undertaken by Council. CO-OP Studio is a leading architectural firm with a highly skilled team with extensive experience in the design of aquatic, leisure and sporting facilities throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Mayor Angela Long said this is an exciting milestone for the progress of the project.
“Council is confident that CO-OP Studio will develop an exceptional design for the new aquatic centre in collaboration with Council and key stakeholders.”
“Mills Reserve will continue to be the home of Greater Dandenong’s premier indoor aquatic centre, which is ideally situated in a health and education precinct with ample parking and easy access via public and private transport. Dandenong Oasis will continue to operate while the new centre is under development, which will be a new facility at the reserve, rather than a redevelopment of the existing facility.”
