Melbourne – The redevelopment of the much-loved Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) is a step closer after Darebin Council awarded the construction contract to Kane Constructions at the 23 August Council Meeting. The contract was awarded after a competitive tender process.
Once completed, the new NARC will offer indoor and outdoor pools as well as increased opportunities to participate in health and wellbeing activities, through larger and additional programming spaces and an added warm water pool for exercise and rehabilitation.
The new NARC will be a 6 Star Green Star rated facility: the highest rating possible in the Green Building Council of Australia’s sustainability rating system, demonstrating Council’s commitment to and leadership in responding to the climate emergency.
Together with improved health and wellbeing outcomes for our community, the construction project for NARC will also bring economic benefits. During the construction period, it is expected the project will generate over 230 jobs (construction, manufacturing and professional services), and over 120 jobs once the new facility is operational.
The design has been shaped by consultation with the community and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, and has been completed by Warren and Mahoney Australia.
Warren and Mahoney Associate Principal Brett Diprose said an important focus of NARC’s new design has been about keeping the historic and much-loved features of the centre whilst also responding to improve the sustainability credentials of the centre in line with Darebin’s climate emergency strategy.
“The new design addresses the City of Darebin’s Climate Emergency Strategy and applies significant effort to prioritise leading sustainability strategies. It aligns with fundamental design considerations that embody the values and identity of Warren and Mahoney as architects that takes our role as stewards and custodians of the built environment seriously,” Mr Diprose said.
“The timber structure provides sustainability benefits by capturing carbon dioxide and its renewable and recyclable properties, as well as delivering a low maintenance facility with a warm, welcoming aesthetic.”
“The 6-Star Green Star centre will be the first of its kind in Australia to run completely on electricity, both on site generation and power purchasing agreements, removing the reliance on fossil fuel based, non-renewable gas. A large solar panel array on the roof will power the heating of all the leisure water areas, while materials and systems have been specifically selected to minimise the carbon footprint during construction and reduce energy use once operational.”
Kane Constructions Director Geoff Purcell said the team is excited to be delivering on Darebin Council’s commitment to community engagement, and delivering a sustainable facility.
“Kane is thrilled to be awarded the project and is committed to delivering on council’s key sustainability goals including expanding the use of renewable energy, improving energy and water efficiency, enhancing access to sustainable transport and reducing waste.”
“Kane places a strong focus and commitment on engaging local businesses, community groups and social enterprises. On the NARC project, Kane will support local employment opportunities through collaborating with local organisations and will establish inclusive employment practices for all.”
“As a local Darebin resident, along with 11 of our staff, we are proud our council is living up to its commitments, leading the way in climate action by delivering innovative and environmentally sustainable projects for all.”
Darebin Mayor Lina Messina said the contract announcement was a major milestone in the NARC project.
“The redevelopment of NARC has been in the planning stages for a long time now, so it’s really exciting for Darebin City Council and our community to finally have awarded the construction contract. We’ll have shovels in the ground in no time!” Cr Messina said.
“The new NARC will be back, bigger and better than ever before, with even more capacity for our community members to achieve their health and fitness goals.”
For more information on the NARC redevelopment, please visit www.yoursaydarebin.vic.gov.au