03/18/2002 "Sauna to satisfy 800 guys"

Sauna to satisfy 800 guys
- Melbourne Star

A $3 MILLION sauna large enough to meet the needs of 800 men will soon open in the heritage-listed Queen's Jubilee building in the Nelbourne suburb of Collingwood.

'Wet on Wellington' a "health and recreation" centre is the project of Bill van der Linden, who owns a number of Melbourne saunas.

The Wellington St development will incorporate a restaurant, which will be open to both men and women and the sauna with swimming pool, steam room, spa, 30 private rooms and a glassed-off courtyard style area.

The venue, which is expected to open on March 27, is in the 114-year-old John Singleton Medical Centre at 162 Wellington St.

Mr van der Linden said the development was costing around A$3 million and involved internal and external renovations, including screening the venue's out-door area from over-looking windows and the streets.

"This is going to be more than just a place for guys to meet and have sex," Mr van der Linden said.

"Men can come here and work out, have a swim or even have a meal."

The two-storey Queen's Jubilee building and former hospital opened in 1888 under the helm of Dr John Singleton as a dispensary to administer free medical attention and provide spiritual guidance to the poor.

The building is listed on Victoria's heritage register.