The City of Melbourne has invested $10.2 million towards a $58 million redevelopment of the Kensington Community Recreation Centre.
The redevelopment will bring brand new facilities to the community, including a 25-metre pool, a water play area, health and wellness areas, a new wrap-around café with four multiple access points, three indoor multi-sports courts, program rooms, community spaces and better integration with JJ Holland Park. To stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding the redevelopment, we encourage you to visit Kensington Community Recreation Centre redevelopment - City of Melbourne.
Construction has begun and the new centre is expected to reopen in early 2025.
We understand that the centre closure will affect the routines of our members and user groups. We’re committed to ensuring our members and user groups find suitable options that best fits their needs for the duration of the redevelopment.
We’ve outlined various alternative options for members, swimming lessons families and user groups below. If you would like to discuss any of these options, please feel free to email Kensington.cso@ymca.org.au or call us on 03 9376 1633. Our team will be there to answer your calls and respond to your questions throughout the redevelopment process.
Health and wellness members
As a member, you currently have reciprocal access to other City of Melbourne centres, including North Melbourne Recreation Centre, Carlton Baths and Melbourne City Baths. We’re continuing our group fitness classes and gym at North Melbourne Community Centre, as well as some group fitness at Kensington Town Hall for the duration of the redevelopment.
View your alternative options and where they are located
For more information on other physical and mental wellbeing activities offered in the City of Melbourne visit the Active Melbourne page.
Aquatic members
As we head into the colder months, it’s time for the Active Melbourne outdoor pool season to come to an end. Outdoor pools at North Melbourne Recreation Centre and Carlton Baths are closing on 30 April 2022.
All aquatic memberships will be automatically suspended during the closure period and will reactivate on 1 October 2022. As always, this suspension is free and you will be notified prior to the outdoor pool reopening.
If you'd like to continue your membership since you are using Melbourne City Baths, cancel your membership, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Kensington.cso@ymca.org.au
Cancellations
While we do offer reciprocal access to other City of Melbourne centres, we understand that this may not be convenient for everyone. If you are unable to take advantage of our reciprocal access and would like to cancel your membership, please email your request to Kensington.cso@ymca.org.au
North Melbourne Community Centre and Kensington Town Hall
Members also have the option to only attend North Melbourne Community Centre and Kensington Town Hall at a reduced cost of $19.40 per fortnight. This option will allow you to access the gym and group fitness classes at North Melbourne Community Centre, as well as group fitness classes at Kensington Town Hall.
View group fitness time table
Swimming Lessons
We know how important Swimming Lessons are for children, which is why we encourage families to contact Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Recreation Centre for summer Swimming Lessons. Melbourne City Baths, Brunswick Baths, Ascot Vale Leisure Centre, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre and Victoria University also offer Swimming Lessons year-round.
Please note that you will need to contact the centre of your choice to enrol your child. We encourage you to get in touch with your preferred centre as soon as possible to secure a spot.
Tennis Members
The tennis courts located on Speakman Street in Kensington will be available throughout the redevelopment once restrictions ease. You can book sessions or hire the courts via our website.
For more information on other physical and mental wellbeing activities offered in the City of Melbourne visit the Active Melbourne page.