By BRIDGET SCOTT
NEWS that the derelict Cranbourne pool complex will be turned into a fitness centre has sparked heated comment in the community.
Cranbourne News readers expressed their views on the Cranbourne-Berwick News Facebook page after the story was posted online.
While some voiced their disappointment over the current state of the old pools, others suggested alternative avenues the recreation reserve committee of management could have explored when looking to transform the site.
Readers were also asked to share their memories of the old Cranbourne pools, which have now become a haven for criminal activity.
Loretta Iverach said she could remember “many summer days” at the pools.
“Many wonderful memories were made spending time with friends, family and neighbours,” she said.
“My own children also had swimming lessons there before moving over to Casey Race.”
Others couldn’t believe what the site had become.
Angela Galpin said she “couldn’t believe what it looked like now”.
“We went to lots of kids’ parties there back in the day,” she said.
It was announced last week that the old pool complex would be reinstated as a 24-hour fitness and health centre.
While some welcomed this, others seemed to think that something else would better fit the site.
Laura Coomber said: “Put a cinemas in, Cranbourne needs it,” while another reader agreed and said there were already enough gyms in the area.
The Cranbourne Racing Centre and Recreation reserve Committee of Management had announced that it had secured a tenant for the site, on Grant Street.
Committee of management president Geoff Whiffin said the group was thrilled the site would be resurrected.
“The Cranbourne Racing Centre and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management are delighted that the facility will undergo a major revamp so it can again be utilised by the local community,” he said.
“It’s an important site for many residents of Cranbourne, who enjoyed its usage as the former heated pool centre, and I’m sure this announcement will be welcomed by many who wanted this returned for community use.”
He said the site would be of benefit to jockeys and track riders from the racing club, as well as industry participants and the wider community.
The facility is expected to be complete by the end of this year.
