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 |
What's coming up
In August, we will be finalising the schematic design and the agreement with CitiPower. Then, we will be doing the design development.
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 works will require pool closure. The exact time is to be determined by the tender process but we are estimating the pool make take around 12 weeks but this will need to be confirmed closer to the time. We will be taking steps to limit the closure as much as possible.
We are expecting the whole site will be closed for two weeks in November when we switch over power supply from the pole transformer to the new substation kiosk, change over the domestic hot water system from gas to electric and switch to a heat recovery system in the changerooms.