Warren and Mahoney’s design for the redevelopment of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Melbourne’s north has been finalized, with works scheduled to begin later this year.
The redevelopment of the centre, built in 1968, will keep the outdoor 50-metre pool and 25-metre indoor pool while adding more indoor facilities, including an added warm water pool for exercise and rehabilitation.
Warren and Mahoney associate principal Brett Diprose said the design aimed to keep the historic and much-loved features of the centre while improving its energy performance and sustainability credentials, in line with Darebin council’s climate emergency strategy.
“The 6-Star Green Star centre will be the first of its kind in Australia to run completely on electricity, both on site generation and power purchasing agreements, removing the reliance on fossil fuel based, non-renewable gas,” he said. “A large solar panel array on the roof will power the heating of all the leisure water areas, while materials and systems have been specifically selected to minimize the carbon footprint during construction and reduce energy use once operational.
Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre redevelopment by Warren and Mahoney.
“The timber structure provides sustainability benefits by capturing carbon dioxide and its renewable and recyclable properties, as well as delivering a low maintenance facility with a warm, welcoming aesthetic.”
The design has also been shaped by consultation with the community and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
“Another key design consideration was the relationship between cultural engagement and sustainability, including the stewardship of resources, appropriate engagement with First Nations people and identification of how to acknowledge and celebrate that in a future-forward way; be it through artistic engagement, interior approach or selection of materials and architectural expression,” said Diprose.
“We have started that process and will continue to work in collaboration with our Indigenous partners until the project is complete.”
Darebin council completed a feasibility study in 2017 to explore options for the centre, and found that the facility was nearing the end of its lifecycle. The redeveloped centre is scheduled to open mid-2023.
