MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will spend $1.74 million over the next six months preparing the site for the $43.5 million Rosebud Aquatic Centre.
The council chose one of six tenders for preliminary works on the Besgrove Street site.
Infrastructure project manager Elliott Reid said the work included constructing a 380-space car park, exposed aggregate footpaths, pram ramps, concrete kerb and channel, vegetation removal, line marking, signs, electrical connections, lighting and landscaping.
Drainage works include a “water sensitive urban design”.
The council has supported a “fast-tracked approach” to finish the aquatic centre by September 2020.
Public support for the 50-metre pool was shown at a packed council meeting in March when about 150 “enthusiastic but well behaved” supporters packed Rosebud Memorial Hall.
Some carried signs urging approval of the 50-metre pool; others wore water polo caps.
The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said at the time that the councillors’ backing of the larger pool over a 25-metre lower-cost alternative recommended by shire officers was an example of “what local government is all about”.
The site preparations will run from October to March.
Mr Reid said the work would “ensure that the site is clear for the builder to take possession, ensure public safety and minimise inconvenience to shire customers and staff”.
Money for the pool is included in the 2018-19 capital works budget.
