Kane Constructions was awarded the $59 million Design and Construct contract to deliver the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC), creating a contemporary community facility that supports recreation, health, wellbeing and inclusion.
Designed by Warren and Mahoney Australia in consultation with the local community and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, the new centre provides a diverse range of indoor and outdoor aquatic and recreation spaces. The indoor facilities include an eight-lane 25-metre pool, learn-to-swim and leisure pool, warm water pool for exercise and rehabilitation, aquatic playground and toddler pool, steam, spa and sauna facilities, a gym, group fitness studios, private consult rooms, a café, and accessible, gender-neutral, Changing Places and school group change facilities.
Externally, the centre features a 10-lane 50-metre outdoor pool with ramp access, a landscaped spectator area for carnivals and community events, and a nature play aquatic playground. The project also included significant upgrades to site access and transport infrastructure, including new car park entry and exit points, electric vehicle charging stations, expanded bicycle and bus parking, and a dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone.
Achieving a 6 Star Green Star rating, NARC reflects the City of Darebin’s commitment to sustainability and climate action, delivering an environmentally responsible facility that will serve the community for generations. The project reached Practical Completion in October 2023.
