Wagga Wagga Regional Aquatic Centre

This project consisted of the scheme, Development Application, detail design, site supervision, and defects inspection of an undercover full sized aquatic centre to service the community and swimming sport requirements for the south western Riverina area of NSW. Responsibility was for the engineering design for the hot and cold water supply, fire protection, subsoil drainage, stormwater, roof water drainage, sewer, backwash disposal, natural gas, modifications to the existing services and site inspections for this Arup project.

The development consisted of the demolition of the existing outdated swimming structures except the waterslide area, but included the existing adult swimming pool and toddler’s pool. The entrance area was remodelled to allow electronic ticketing and a new retail outlet to service pool patrons. There were new administration offices and meeting rooms incorporated into the existing two storey entrance buildings and the entrance upgraded to allow easier and quicker access flow paths for public, spectators, school patrons and staff.

The building consisted of a new construction to surround an Olympic sized patrolled competition pool with aquatic play areas adjacent consisting of a swirl and wave pool. The building was a skillion roof design with heated glazing surrounding the building on four sides. Covered walkways led from the upgraded entrance to the pool areas. The building also enclosed the plant and filtration area, mechanical plant room air-conditioning plant, several external showers and drinking fountains, male, female, handicapped ablution amenities, equipment storage and retail outlets. Particular attention was taken to prevent corrosion breakdown of fittings and fixings.

There was a second uncovered 50m pool and separate diving pool located externally to the east of the building with seating stands constructed along the building wall. The existing water slide and pool was upgraded and remained on site in the southwest corner of the site. Toddlers were catered for by a very low sloping shallow pool to give a ‘waterside beach’ effect as well as a ‘mushroom’ waterfall.

A new 100mm hydrant fire service was documented along with fire hose reels, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, booster assembly and emergency signage for fire and life safety. Moisture meters were installed to monitor water table and subsoil pumps around the structures. Energy recovery was utilised through mechanical and backwash waste heat recovery and reused in water preheating.

The project was one of few major swimming centres catering for official Olympic swimming competition dimensions outside of the major city metropolitan areas drawing swimming competitions from southwest NSW, and a centre for local community aquatic entertainment.

Client/Project Manager: Wagga Wagga City Council
architect: PTW Architects
Photos: Noel Thompson Architecture - Wagga Wagga