Built with community at the heart of its design, Darebin’s new innovative, state-of-the art Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) will open its doors to the public on Monday November 13, 2023.
This new home of health and fitness has been crafted for the rapidly growing and diverse community of Melbourne’s thriving northern suburbs and will help to create improved health and wellbeing outcomes for everyone.
Outdoors, the new aquatic and recreation centre will offer a 10-lane 50m heated pool and nature-based splash pad. Indoor aquatics will feature an eight-lane 25m heated pool, learn to swim pool, warm water pool with integrated spa, aquatic play area with water slides, and steam/sauna facilities.
Fitness and wellness facilities include multi-purpose spaces for group fitness and reformer Pilates, an 800m2 fitness centre, and consulting rooms for allied health professionals. To cater to all members of the community, change rooms include female, male, gender neutral, family, school groups and dedicated spaces for accessibility including a Changing Places facility.
NARC was brought to life through the collective vision of the community, designed by Warren and Mahoney Architects Australia and then built by KANE Constructions Pty Ltd. The new Centre is a 6-Star Green Star design rated facility, which is the highest rating possible in the Green Building Council of Australia’s sustainability rating system, demonstrating Darebin Council’s commitment to responding to the climate emergency.
Darebin Mayor Cr Julie Williams said: “It is so exciting to be opening the doors again to this highly valued and utilised facility for the community to enjoy.”
“This stunning new sustainable facility has been built fit-for-purpose so everyone can feel welcome and included, whether you are young or old, living with disability or doing rehabilitation programs, this facility is for you,” Mayor Williams said.
“The renewal of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre is part of Council’s plan to expand opportunities for participation and social connection through sport, physical activity and other leisure activities.”
The new Centre is proudly operated by Clublinks, an experienced facilities management company that also operates Narrandjeri Stadium, Darebin Community Sports Stadium, Bundoora Park Public Golf Course and Northcote Public Golf Course in the municipality, in partnership with the City of Darebin.
Clublinks CEO Anthony Lawrence said the venue would be an incredible asset to Darebin, with innovative activities, programming and events created to attract people from across the community.
“The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre will be a true neighbourhood hub, in which all members of the community will feel welcomed,” he said.
“Through innovative and inclusive programming and activities, we will support diverse groups from across the community to access programs and services. The team is committed to creating a vibrant, dynamic and diverse community hub and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to NARC in November.”
The community is invited to join as a member to be part of the Centre before it opens.
The “Big Warm-Up” events held in the lead-up to opening include a Community Open Day on Sunday, November 12.
You’re invited to come along with spaces limited, you must register and indicate a preferred 90-minute session.
For more information and Open Day registrations, click here.
Darebin Council acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government through the Community Infrastructure Loan and Changing Places Funding Programs.
