Update - 29 May 2024 - Norlane ARC wins naming approval
The new $65.6 million community facility on the corner of Cox Road and the Princes Highway in Norlane will be named Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Centre).
Formerly known under its project name Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH), the centre opened to the public in February this year.
The City of Greater Geelong presented four naming options for community feedback early in 2024, based on recommendations from the facility’s Community Liaison Reference Group.
Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Centre) emerged as the preferred option among survey respondents and was approved as the official name during Tuesday night’s Council meeting.
The pool hall within the new facility will be named ‘Waterworld’, honouring the legacy of the former aquatic centre at the site.
There was strong community sentiment about including ‘Waterworld’ as part of the name of the overall facility. However, the position of the Community Liaison Reference Group was that this did not appropriately reflect the diverse range of uses within the new centre, especially the arts and cultural elements.
Next steps
The adoption of the name is subject to approval from Geographic Names Victoria and registration with NAMESVIC.
In line with the reference group’s recommendation, the City will now consult with the Traditional Owners to establish an appropriate First Nations name for the auditorium/community hall.
Welcome
Overview
The City of Greater Geelong is inviting the community to help choose a new name for the soon-to-be-completed Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH) in Norlane.
The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (working project name) is an exciting new facility in Norlane, and it’s almost ready to open.
We’re now looking for the community’s help to choose a permanent name.
Our Council has released four potential names for your feedback:
- Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Centre);
- Norlane ARC (Aquatic Recreation Complex);
- Aquatic Centre of Norlane (ACON); and
- Aquatic Complex of Norlane (ACON).
The names were shortlisted during workshops with members of the NACH Community Liaison Reference Group, which has been meeting regularly with City staff throughout the build.
The reference group expressed a preference for a name that highlights both the area and the nature of activities to be hosted within the facility.
Northern Aquatic and Community Hub has been the working title for the facility, but does not meet the naming rules under the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 (Vic).
Northern Aquatic and Community Hub will continue to be the working name for the facility until the official name is finalised.
Each of the proposed names meet the requirements of the Act.
You can vote for your preferred option further down this page.
Upcoming Opening
The $65.6 million facility is on track to open to the public in February 2024, with an announcement of an exact opening date to be made in the coming weeks.
Kane Constructions is on schedule to finish on site prior to Christmas and hand the building over to the City’s Swim, Sport and Leisure team to prepare for opening.
Opening preparations, which are well underway, include recruitment, induction and training of around 250 employees, installation of health club and other equipment, and securing providers for the on-site café and health consulting suites.
The hub features:
- Lap pool, waterplay area and waterslides;
- Warm water pool, spa and steam room;
- Learn to swim pool;
- Mezzanine level gym overlooking the aquatic facilities;
- Large multi-purpose community performance hall;
- Childcare facilities;
- Health consulting suites; and
- Extensive landscaped outdoor public open space areas.
Have Your Say
Feedback has now closed.
The feedback period is open from Wednesday 13 December 2023 - Sunday 28 January 2024.
Following consultation, a recommendation will be presented to the Council for endorsement before being submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for approval.
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