The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre has opened after a $63.5 million redevelopment, designed by Warren and Mahoney.
The project involved a redevelopment of the existing facility, originally constructed in 1968 While the 10-lane outdoor 50-metre pool and eight-lane 25-metre indoor pool were retained and upgraded in line with the original character of the facility, a new internal warm water pool was added and multi-purpose spaces were improved to service a wider range of health and well-being activities.
The level two gym overlooks the outdoor pool.
Image:
Tom Roe
The interior features a learn-to-swim pool, a warm-water pool for rehabiliation and exercise with integrated spa, a kids aquatic play area with water slides and a steam and sauna room. Change rooms have been designed to be inclusive with spaces for females, males, gender neutral individuals, families, school groups and people of all abilities.
“The renewal of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre is part of Council’s plan to expand opportunities for participation and social connection through sport, physical activity and other leisure activities,” said City of Darebin mayor Julie Williams.
Fitness and wellness spaces overlook the outdoor pool and comprise an 800 square metre fitness centre, multi-use areas for group exercise and pilates classes, and consult rooms for allied health professionals.
The Warren and Mahoney-designed Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre has officially opened.
Image:
Tom Roe
In designing the centre, Warren and Mahoney had the objective of minimizing the carbon footprint during construction, achieved through careful material selection and integration of energy efficient systems. A large rooftop solar array disperses energy throughout the building, while timber details offer sustainability benefits and a visually pleasing aesthetic.
According to the architects, the critical challenge involved creating a facility that was sympathetic to the local and largely residential surrounding context. A challenge that was met by using materials such as brick and timber, in combination with “breaking down the overall ‘visual mass’ of the project through the careful modulation of facade and roof elements.”
To celebrate the opening, the public was given the opportunity to walk through the centre on November 12, resulting in 4,500 people attending to get a peek of the rejuvenated facility. “It’s a beautiful facility, and we are thrilled the whole community within Darebin [Council] and beyond can now create new memories here,” said Anthony Lawrence, CEO of Clublinks which manages Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre for Darebin Council.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
