North Bellarine Aquatic Centre
City of Greater Geelong
North Bellarine VIC, in Wadawurrung country
Program 2024 - 2027
$40M contract value
The City of Geelong engaged WRA to undertake the design and documentation for NBAC Stage 2 to deliver indoor aquatic, health and well-being spaces that complment the recently completed first stage.
Stage 2 is currently under construction and provides the following additional facilities:
Indoor Aquatic Hall, including: 25m x 8 lane pool with accessible ramp, 10 x 24m warm water program pool with accessible ramp,
Patron change and amenities.
Front of House, including reception and foyers
Cafe serving the foyer and outdoor pool
Health and fitness spaces, including new gym and 2x group fitness spaces
The architecural expression and planning for Stage 2 intentionally knits together the two stages to create a seamless facility.
The Indoor Aquatic components integrate the needs for
Learn-to-swim programs
Group classes
Therapy programs
Pool/water-based sports
Recreational water space
Lap swimming
Other water related programs and activities
The water body layout considers progression of swimmer ability from shallow to deep water through consistent grading across lines.
Group/School change and amenities allow large groups to enter pre-arranged without having to go through the main reception.
The fitness foyer / entry with wide corridors will create space for people to wait for classes including bench seating, drinking fountains with bottle fillers, and access to lockers.
The gymnasium is proposed to have 450 square metres of floor space with flexibility for changing equipment through the delivery of gym cabling from above floor. Two group fitness rooms provide flexible spaces for activities such as cardio classes or reformer Pilates
The existing car park will be extended to the south to increase parking spaces to service Stage 2.
Safe and clear pedestrian pathways and connections direct patrons to the forecourt and centre entry.
The design of the entry foyer shall provide a welcoming environment, inviting people to linger, sit, wait and feel comfortable in the space. The foyer connects Stage 1 and 2 to create a seamless architectural expression.
Vews to the outdoor 50m pool will be clear upon arrival. The single foyer can serve the aquatic, health and fitness facilities providing a physical link between the key components of the facility.
The café is open to the foyer space overlooking the forecourt and 50m pool. It will service directly into the foyer with an additional service window to the outdoor 50m pool terrace.
Centre Administration office is directly behind reception. The existing Staff Lounge will be retained and adapted, and a new meeting / training room shall be fitted out.
