Sydney-based NBRS Architecture has been appointed to design the new Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre at Mackay Park.
The firm, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has extensive experience in creating inviting spaces that serve communities. It is partnering with Donovan Payne Architects, specialists in aquatic and sporting facilities, to design the facility.
Past recent NBRS projects include the award-winning Murray Art Museum in Albury, refurbishment of the Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in Auburn, the Hillsong Epicentre Studio in Baulkham Hills and the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning.
Above L to R : Murray Art Museum in Albury, the Hillsong Epicentre Studio and the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning.
Above: Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre features a 50m outdoor Olympic pool with grand stand, indoor 25m pool, outdoor water polo pool, family leisure and program pool, and an interactive shaded water play pool for children and families to enjoy. The 50m outdoor heated Olympic pool in Lidcombe has up to 10 lanes and is purpose-built for swimming carnivals, swimming laps, squad training and swim meets. The undercover grandstand provides ample room for spectators. (source)
NBRS Architecture Principal Andrew Tripet said NBRS was passionate about human-centred design.
“We’re intensely interested in community and society, and particularly how people gather, react and enjoy public spaces,” he said.
“We’re really excited to be working on this project. We want this centre to have a distinct Batemans Bay feel.”
User groups of the facility will be invited to participate in focus groups with the architects later this month so their needs can be reflected in the final design.
The 96 groups include local sporting clubs, arts groups, community groups and associations, the business sector, schools, swimming groups, health and disability groups and other identified users.
The wider community will be encouraged to have a say in the final design once concepts are finalised, which are expected by January 2019.
In the meantime, those keen to provide input on how they envisage using the facility can submit their thoughts by emailing them to council@esc.nsw.gov.au by Wednesday 31 October.
More information about the project is on Council’s website www.esc.nsw.gov.au/mackaypark
Above: Donovan Payne Architects Founding Director Kim Donavan, NBRS Architecture Life and Culture Studio Principal Andrew Tripet and NBRS Director James Ward recently visited Eurobodalla to meet with Council representatives and tour the site of the new Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre at Mackay Park. Editors Note: The Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre referred to above was officially re-opened after undergoing a $27 million overhaul to become a state-of-the-art recreational facility. The Centre's facilities include: 50m outdoor pool 30m x 25m outdoor water polo pool Outdoor children’s interactive water play shaded pool Air-conditioned indoor 25m pool Family leisure pool and program pool New modern change rooms All pools are heated and provide access for people with a disability. Heritage significant buildings and the grandstand have remained in recognition of the centre’s historical significance to the region. General Manager Malcolm Ryan said, in delivering the state-of-the-art year round aquatic hub for the community:“Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre provides Cumberland with a much needed and high quality aquatic recreation space. It is open year round so families can take refuge here in summer and people can still do their laps and keep active in the cooler months. “Importantly, the facility has different spaces for children, recreational and elite swimmers, as well as a top notch learn-to-swim service and holiday programs. There really is something for everyone.” Fees and Charges for the Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre are: Casual swim adult: $6.50 Casual swim concession: $4.60 Casual aqua/fitness class – adult: $15.80 Casual aqua/fitness class – concession: $13.20 Casual squad visit – adult: $21 Eurobodalla fees are: Casual Entry general swimming $5.30 Per student for school student/holder Pension Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card $4.00 Family Entry (4 family members) $18.00
