New Parramatta Aquatic Centre rings in swim season

Source: ArchitectureAU

The $88.6 million new Parramatta Aquatic Centre, designed by Grimshaw, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall, opened its doors to the public on 25 September.

The 40,000 square metre facility contains a 50-metre, 10-lane heated outdoor pool, a 25-metre, 8-lane indoor pool, a learn-to-swim indoor pool, an indoor splash play area, as well as a fitness centre, spa, sauna, steam room, cafe and creche.

The facility also includes 30,000 square metres of landscaped outdoor spaces.

The building is set within the topography of the May’s Hill precinct in Parramatta Park, on the traditional lands of the Burramattaga. The landscape concept of the project acknowledges the site’s history as a gathering place. Parramatta Park is also inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the sunken building minimally impacts the landscape setting.

A series of skylights provides natural light for the areas below, while simultaneously filtering the UV rays. Solar panels on the roof generate 273 megawatts per hour of energy savings. Read More