Project to transform the former Municipal Baths in Rosalind Park into an attractive urban park with a lakeside loop track and boardwalk.
The Municipal Baths are located on the rise between the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre and the adjacent bowls and croquet clubs in Rosalind Park and are currently not accessible to the public.
This project will renew the site with new infrastructure and open it up for community use.
The project will include the following works:
- Stabilise the dam wall that forms part of the adjacent laneway (COMPLETE)
- Removal of perimeter fencing (COMPLETE)
- Relocation of the Ibis and removal of the island under the guidance of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (COMPLETE)
- Sludge removal and water quality improvements (COMPLETE)
- Construction of a new dam wall path (UNDERWAY)
- Construction of a loop walking path and installation of a board walk on the eastern side of the water body (offsite fabrication underway to allow for midyear installation)
- Installation of irrigated lawn areas, park seating and pedestrian lighting (Planned to be undertaken in the 2nd half of 2024)
- Planting of shade trees and attractive park landscaping (Planned to be undertaken in the 2nd half of 2024)
Project timelines
The works are approximately halfway! Progress to-date has included:
- Completion of dewatering the water body, clearing of low-value and weed species vegetation, removal of the island, and desludging works
- Dam wall stabilising, relocation of underground services, and weed management
- Major earthworks and construction of concrete retaining walls around the water’s edge
- Commencement of offsite fabrication of new pedestrian fencing, and the boardwalk
The project is expected to be completed before December, 2024.
Frequently asked questions
The redevelopment project is a key action in the of the Rosalind Park Precinct Master Plan (2014), which recommends opening up and restoring the site for the use and enjoyment of the wider community.
The site is also not currently accessible to the public and this project will provide a new space for local residents to recreate and enjoy.
The Municipal Baths were constructed in 1912-13 on the site of an existing dam as Bendigo’s primary location for swimming and bathing until the development of the adjacent Faith Leech Aquatic Centre in the 1950's.
Originally more than twice its current size the former Municipal Baths facility featured change rooms, training infrastructure, jetty's and a grandstand. The current water body was fenced off to the public in the 1980's.
The anticipated cost of the project is approximately $3 million. The project will be funded by the City of Greater Bendigo.
The laneway separating the Municipal Baths from the bowling club is part of the construction site. Works have started on the reconstruction of the dam wall pathway. It is expected that the dam wall pathway will be reopened to pedestrians in the 2nd half of 2024.
Please use the alternative laneway some 50 metres away and located between the Bowling Club and the old tennis courts.
The project has had the following changes:
- Construction of a larger shelter/BBQ/water play area on the Barnard Street side of the water body is no longer part of the initial project
- Installation of a terraced seating amphitheatre on the northern side of the water body will no longer be part of the initial project
Contact
If you have any questions about this project, please contact: