Early works are poised to begin on two new sporting venues in Geelong as the countdown to the 2026 Commonwealth Games continues.

Geotech works on the Armstrong Creek Aquatics Centre on Barwarre Road are due to begin this month and continue into late next month.

The venue will include a competition, warm-up and diving pools.

After the Games, it will be converted into a centre with sports courts, a community pool and open space.

Leading architecture firm Warren and Mahoney has partnered with Geelong’s own Four18 Architecture as design consultants on the Armstrong Creek Aquatics venue, which will host Swimming, Para Swimming and Diving.

Also, on Bannip Boulevard in the Waurn Ponds Station precinct will be the artistic gymnastics, weightlifting and para powerlifting venue.

Post-Game will become a seven multi-sports court centre with a dance studio and a religion-level gymnastics centre.

ARM Architecture is designing this venue.

Quote attributable to the Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Games, Darren Cheeseman

“We’re delivering world-class sporting venues in Armstrong Creek and Warun Ponds that local communities will enjoy for generations.”

The Victorian government invested $292 million to build these venues ahead of the Games in three years.

“With 20 sports, nine para-sports and vibrant festival programmes, the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games promises to be a spectacular celebration of sport, art and culture,” CGF President, Dame Louise Martin DBE said.

Geelong will host nine sports for the 2016 Commonwealth Games.

Its Games village at the Waurn Ponds Station Precinct will host about 2500 athletes and officials.

Kardinia Park will host the Closing Ceremony with an expected 40,000 spectators.

More than $3 billion is estimated to be added to the state’s economy through the Games, with more than 7500 jobs created before, during and after the event.

An expression-of-interest process is due to open in May 2023, with contractors and other parties able to register via the Buying for Victoria website.

Quote attributable to Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Harriet Shing

“The 2006 Games will create jobs in Geelong, driving economic growth and an enduring legacy of accessible, inclusive and fit-for-purpose housing and community infrastructure.”

We look forward to welcoming 72 countries and territories to Geelong in 2026.