Two of Frankston’s busiest community facilities are set to undergo major energy upgrades from April 2026, with Frankston City Council planning to phase out gas systems at the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) and the Frankston Arts Centre and Library Precinct.
Council says the $2.85 million project is expected to cut operating costs by more than $200,000 a year and reduce emissions by about 723 tonnes annually once complete.
The works will be partly funded by the Australian Government, which is contributing $1.425 million through the Community Energy Upgrade Fund. Council will fund the remaining half.
What will change
At the arts centre and library precinct, all gas systems will be removed. Council estimates this will save around $40,000 a year in energy costs and reduce emissions by about 212 tonnes.
At PARC, gas pool heating will be replaced with high-efficiency heat pumps. Council says the change could save about $168,000 a year and cut emissions by around 511 tonnes.
Combined, Council expects the project to reduce its overall gas use by 45 per cent and move it closer to its target of a 42 per cent reduction in emissions.
Why these sites
Council has pointed to strong and growing use of both facilities. In 2024–25, PARC recorded more than one million visits, while the Frankston Arts Centre attracted 195,000 visitors. Frankston Library recorded more than 147,000 visits, and Youth Central more than 2,400.
Mayor Sue Baker said the project was about improving facilities that many residents rely on.
This is a huge win for our community and the environment, and we thank the Australian Government for helping us to make it possible.
She said the upgrades would cut emissions and running costs while supporting services delivered from the sites.
We’re cutting emissions, saving money, and creating facilities that are fit for the future and our community’s growing needs.
Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea said the project would deliver practical benefits locally.
By supporting upgrades at PARC and the Frankston Arts Centre and library precinct, we’re helping local families and businesses benefit from lower emissions and smarter energy use, while creating jobs and building resilience for the future.
Timeline
Design and planning is already underway, with construction scheduled to begin in April 2026 and run through to March 2028.
