Collingwood Leisure Centre electrification
We are electrifying the Collingwood Leisure Centre to transition it from gas to 100% renewable electricity, a major upgrade funded by a $2.9 million grant from the Australian Government and Yarra City Council. This project, which includes upgrading the mechanical plant with electric heat pumps that will eliminate fossil fuel usage and improve occupant comfort and safety.
| Project milestone | Month |
|---|---|
| Schematic design finalised | Completed |
| CitiPower agreement for new kiosk finalised | Completed |
| Design development | Completed |
| Out to tender | Completed |
| Award tender | Completed: Tender awarded to Harris HMC Interiors (Vic) |
| Plant yard extension preparation – relocation of underground infrastructure | Completed |
| Relocation of pathway west of Collingwood Leisure Centre | Completed |
| Pre-works for new Citipower substation kiosk | Completed |
| Citipower installation of the new substation kiosk | July – October 2026 |
| Electrification Construction start date | August 2026 |
| Electrification Construction | August 2026 – January 2027 |
This image represents the upgraded mechanical system.
The new plant yard has extended out to the left of the building that houses the 3 new electric heat pumps, holding tanks, hot and cold water pipework and electric domestic hot water system.
The light blue indicates the new supply air ductwork for the pool hall, spa and change rooms with the pink, purple and olive the new Pool Hall Air Handling system.
What's coming up
- Construction has begun on the new plant yard for the heat pumps.
- New heating and cooling pipework installation.
- The pool hall is closed to upgrade the air handling ductwork and replace the building fabric with a highly insulated product.
- The main entrance is closed to install a new air lock and shade canopy.
Frequently asked questions
- Replacing gas boilers with efficient electric heat pumps
- Introducing cooling into the pool hall
- Upgrading the air handling system and decreasing humidity in the pool hall
- Connecting the change rooms, pool hall, reception and foyer to the new heat pumps
- Introducing more efficient energy controls
- Installing a heat recovery system in the change rooms
- Expanding the plant yard west to accommodate the new heat pumps
- Installing a new Citipower substation kiosk in Mayors Park to cater for the increase in electricity demand
- Installing a new entrance air lock
- Installing a new entrance shade canopy
- Remediating the Pool Hall fabric to increase insulation properties and decrease condensation
- Replacing 200m2 of corroded concreate in the pool hall
Council is seeking to eliminate fossil fuel gas from the site which will result in an annual emissions reduction of 304 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.
To works will improve the cooling and the dehumidification of the pool and spa hall which will reduce emissions and will vastly improve safety and comfort for CLC’s patrons and employees, especially during heatwaves.
These upgrades will improve energy efficiency and enable net-zero emissions through use of on-site and grid-supplied 100% renewable energy and battery storage.
The increase the building's energy efficiency through installation of a new entry air lock and replacing the pool hall fabric with a product offering exceptional thermal efficiency.
Yes, the pools, spa and sauna will be closed until January 2027. We will provide a re-opening date towards the end of the year.
Yes, the whole site will be closed towards the end of November for around 9 days.
This will allow the site to be energised from the new substation kiosk, connect the new electric heat pump domestic hot water system and install the heat recovery unit in the change rooms.