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Winchelsea Pool Redevelopment: The Heart of Community

The Winchelsea Pool Redevelopment project, located in the tight-knit community of Winchelsea, Victoria, stands as a vibrant new hub for both residents and visitors alike. The next-generation facility includes a heated 25m pool, 15m program pool, dedicated splash pad and pavilion, designed to provide a modern, family-friendly face-lift to the original aquatic centre that will serve the town for years to come.

BowdenCorp's commitment to efficiency and quality was demonstrated by the project's completion a remarkable five weeks ahead of the scheduled contract date. This early finish was a significant achievement, as it allowed the community to enjoy the new facilities during the final hot weeks of February and March.

BowdenCorp is proud to have delivered this vital project, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the Winchelsea community.
  • Surf Coast Shire
  • James Deans + Associates
  • Local Government
  • Design and Construct
  • Regional Victoria
  • February 2025
  • Gold Winner Commercial Pool over $1M VIC
  • $9.3M
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Project at a Glance

  • 60
    years of previous operation, now upgraded for many more
  • 95%
    of materials were recycled, including approximately 750 tonnes of concrete from the old pools, buildings and concourses
  • 250
    timber driven piles were used under the pool, plus over 120 screw piles under the concourse to support the longevity of the pool
  • 100%
    local trades from the Greater Geelong Region

Partners

This case study highlights our role in delivering the Winchelsea Pool redevelopment, a modern facility designed to provide long-term value for the local community. Watch the video to follow the project's journey, from its cutting-edge design to its powerful community impact.

Key Facts

  • The Winchelsea Pool redevelopment has transformed the site of the original 1960s aquatic centre on Barwon Terrace. The intention behind this significant upgrade was to create a modern, long-lasting facility that will serve the local community for generations to come.

  • The $9.3 million project utilised innovative construction methods to ensure its longevity. This included the use of advanced piling systems, including 250 timber piles beneath the pools and over 120 screw piles for the concourse, to provide a robust foundation. Sustainable design was also a key focus, with the building orientation and roof graded to maximise solar gains for sustainable energy use.

  • Bowden’s "Construction by Collaboration" approach was central to the project's success. By working closely with local subcontractors and the Surf Coast Shire Council, the project was completed smoothly and to a high standard. The new pool is expected to enhance community life, promote water safety, and provide a welcoming gathering place for families, ensuring it remains the "hub of the town" for many years.

  • The project was also finished in February, five weeks ahead of the scheduled date in late March, giving the community bonus access to the brand new facilities during the last hot weeks of the summer.

Project Vision

The vision for the Winchelsea Pool Redevelopment was to create a modern, long-lasting community asset that went far beyond a swimming pool. It was focused on recreating a vibrant community hub, while also providing a crucial facility for water safety education. The design prioritised accessibility and the use of sustainable, durable materials to ensure the facility's longevity. The project aims to serve a need in a regional community, making a lasting impact on both community life and safety.

Challenges and Solutions

The project was a complex design and construct effort that faced several hurdles. The primary challenges included a tight project budget, a limited construction site located beside the Barwon River and the need to replace decades-old pool structures. The team used innovative piling systems to create a solid foundation and coordinated over ten engineering disciplines to ensure the project was delivered successfully.

Construction by Collaboration

Bowden’s “Construction by Collaboration” approach had an important impact on the project, primarily by leveraging local talent. Selecting tradespeople, engineers and site managers who know the community well and live in the area led to a communal vested interest in the project's success. This foundation of mutual respect helped them work through challenges and find ways to accelerate the project for the community's benefit.

A Regional Victoria Community Asset

The new pool is expected to have a fantastic, wide-ranging impact on the Winchelsea community. As a major focal point, especially during the hot summer months, it will serve as a hub that brings families and residents of all ages together. Beyond being a place for fun and recreation, the pool will play a crucial role in water safety, providing a local venue for children to learn how to swim. This community has lacked access to a public aquatic facility for some time, making the new pool a much-needed and highly anticipated necessity for the growing town.

The Historical Heart of a Community

The Winchelsea pool serves as a central hub for social life, and has fostered a strong sense of togetherness for many years. Lifelong resident Leslie Berg, who managed the pool for 18 years, recounts how the facility was a place where generations of families have made long-lasting memories. These fond recollections highlight the pool’s role in nurturing a community-focused atmosphere; for residents like Leslie, the pool isn't just a place to swim, it provides a place where people can connect.

Before

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After

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Testimonials

Why just trust our word for it when our clients can speak for themselves? See what our clients have said about their experience with us.

Bowden for us has been absolutely amazing. If we needed anything, they always recommended local trades or local supplies that we could use... if we needed a hand physically to help the guys that are out here on site, they're always putting their hands up.
Dave Thompson
Owner, Endeavour Pools - Subcontractor
We have an excellent relationship with Bowden Corp. We tendered for this project together under a D&C contract. I prepared some fairly extensive initial concept designs to present with Bowden Corp's costing for the project to give us the best opportunity to win this project.
James Deans
Director, James Deans & Associates Architects

Get in Touch

Looking to collaborate with a responsible and reliable partner in construction? Get in touch today to speak to the friendly team at BowdenCorp.

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