Building a
fitness and
Overview
Lipman is thrilled to be involved in delivering this vital project for the Parramatta Community.
The Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) is nestled in Parramatta Park’s lush surrounds and on the doorstep of the CBD. This facility is now a year-round destination for swimming, fitness and wellness.
The striking ring enclosure, a primary identifying design element, takes inspiration from both the history of farm enclosures and river swimming enclosures along the Parramatta River.
Sustainably designed with state-of-the-art features, the PAC offers a safe and welcoming environment for all. The gabion wall design consisting of stacked stones enhances the feeling of being at one with nature.
CLIENT
CITY OF PARRAMATTA
ADDRESS
7 PARK PARADE PARRAMATTA
SECTOR/S
LEISURE & AQUATIC, COMMUNITY, CURRENT PROJECTS
CONTRACT
D&C
VALUE
$70M
COMPLETION DATE
2023
At a glance
Transforming Parramatta by the numbers
This project not only boasts remarkable numbers but also transforms
into an extraordinary community oasis for Parramatta.
Highlights
Construction transformation
During construction 60,000 cubic metres of dirt was moved and more than 500 trees indigenous to the area have been planted.
The circular facility has been purposely designed with an open plan feel to deliver natural light and air flow. Skylights feature throughout.
The centre
Premier Facility Features
10-lane outdoor heated pool with seating
25-metre indoor recreational pool
indoor learn-to-swim pool
indoor splash play area
multipurpose community rooms
spa and sauna facilities
fitness centre
café
up to 200 parking spots
Client Requirements
Iconic community oasis
Deliver an iconic state-of-the-art facility for the community of Parramatta. Stipulated in the requirements was the inclusion of 80,000 plants with more than 500 trees indigenous to the area.
The roof over the indoor pools is a green roof fully planted out, returning the space back to park land all accessible by the public, with extensive footpaths, turfed areas and a reflective space. 10,000m3 of the existing topsoil from the old golf course was stockpiled for the duration of the project and reused in the final landscaped areas.
The Outcome
Innovation and approach
The project incorporated numerous initiatives aimed at reducing both the ecological and environmental footprint of the development. These efforts included energy-saving measures, exemplified by a 194 kW solar panel system that feeds surplus power back into the grid, as well as the utilisation of rainwater for irrigation and toilet flushing.
The Health & Wellness centre has an automated naturally ventilated façade, large ETFE skylights over the indoor pools have an automated shading system that is deployed when it is too hot externally, all the pools have retractable blankets that are installed overnight to reduce the heat loss from the pools, reducing energy consumption. All the pools are pre-fabricated stainless steel by Myrtha providing a further environmental benefit via reduced carbon omissions in the manufacture compared to the traditional concrete pool and reduced quantity of water in both the construction and testing of the pools.
Where it started
How we got here
By far the most noticeable outcome of this project, recognised by all stakeholders, is the quality of the build. The level of finishes is outstanding with some very challenging details, such as the loadbearing precast wall panels with a feature Rekli moulded finish. Off form concrete beams that span 33m across the indoor pools supported off the precast walls, precast concrete seating and honed concrete floors throughout. To soften all these concrete elements there is an acoustic ceiling throughout, 1500m2 of blackbutt timber wall panelling and the health club also has timber floors.
Obviously the key feature of an aquatic facility are the pools, and the Myrtha system, coupled with the water treatment system installed by Swimplex, has delivered pools of a very high standard that the residents of Parramatta will enjoy for generations to come.
