Waves Aquatic Centre Upgrade

Progress Update - May 2021

Progress Update - March 2021

Demolition of existing structures, pools and services, bulk earthworks and inground civil works, piling/piering of footings and installation of utilities services have been completed and concrete has been poured for the 50m and 25m pools. 

The exciting refurbishment of Waves has begun! 

Waves Upgrade Construction Phase and Roxborough Park Rose Garden

The construction of the new Waves Aquatic Centre will have a minor impact on the Roxborough Park Rose Garden however Council is committed to retaining and improving the garden. Council has budgeted $300,000 for upgrades to the Rose Garden, and this is expected to begin within the next 12 months.  

• As part of the aquatic centre upgrade, Council needs to manage the overland flow of water in the Roxborough Park site as an identified floodway sits within it.
• Council has worked hard to minimise the impact to the rose garden where it borders the aquatic centre, however a small section will be impacted. This area will be reprofiled, resulting in the removal of the existing garden beds along the pool boundary edge. These white 'iceberg' roses will be transplanted into the gardens at Cropley House.
• Some garden beds at the north-east end of the site are impacted and varieties of these roses will be transplanted within the garden.

Waves Upgrade Map - Roxborough Park Rose Garden Changes(PDF, 418KB)

Lead up to construction

• A small section of the lawn area is also impacted, however the pine trees and the remainder of the grassed area will remain.
• The walking paths within the garden will remain open and any impacted paths will be modified to link to existing paths.
• The road loop in front of the complex will be closed and site sheds will be in place by early August. 
• The playground has been relocated as its former location is needed for the construction compound.

Construction Tender Awarded 

At Council's Ordinary Meeting on 12 May 2020, a construction tender was awarded to ADCO Constructions Pty Limited for the construction of the approved concept design. Read the media release here.

Preliminary works in April 2020 comprised of the decommissioning of the site, including removal of equipment, dismantling operating systems, safety works, and early works have now been completed in preparation for demolition.

Early works involved site establishment, site fencing site office installation, safety assessments, building demolition preparation, and the start of demolition works. 

Waves Aquatic Centre Upgrade Concept Plans

The Hills Shire Council approved a $55 million concept design for a knock down and rebuild of Waves Aquatic Centre during the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday, August 27, 2019. 

Council also moved to adopt a Masterplan (as shown in the video below) for the existing site, allowing the potential for further enhancements to be made at Waves in the future, including the inclusion of a 25 metre square pool and water slides.

Video credit: Masterplan video prepared by NBRS Architecture/Donovan Payne. 

View the Waves Aquatic Centre Upgrade Concept Drawings(PDF, 13MB)

Option B is the approved concept design for the aquatic facility.

Option C is the Masterplan for the site should Council wish to include the water slides and 25m square pool in the future.

Option B provides the following facilities:

• Reception, Retail, Management Spaces
• Café with internal & external Seating
• Larger Gym & Fitness Group areas
• 50m Pool – 10 x Lanes
• Spectator Seating
• Combined 25m Learn To Swim pool & Family Leisure Pool
• Recreation Courtyard
• Swimming Clubhouse
• Amenities, Plantrooms, Storage Facilities
• Additional On-ground car parking
• Additional 20m Warm Water Pool, including spa/sauna facilities
• Additional Meeting  / Program room
• Water Play Structure / Splash Pad Area
• Creation of basement car parking with lift access

Community Consultation and Feedback (2018)

Thank you to all who participated in the May – June 2018 consultations. During this time site meetings with user groups were held to understand usage and requirements. In addition, over 170 ‘Have Your Say’ visitor and community comment cards were received.

High level concept plans, including artist impressions, were used during the May-June 2018 community consultations to stimulate discussion and to seek further feedback regarding user experience and expectation.

 WHERE CAN I SWIM AND EXERCISE WHILE WAVES IS CLOSED?

You may like to make enquiries specific to your activity type with neighbouring Council’s aquatic & leisure centres.

Where Can I Swim & Exercise While Waves is Closed Map(PDF, 636KB)

WHY IS COUNCIL NOT BUILDING ANOTHER AQUATIC CENTRE FIRST BEFORE CLOSING DOWN WAVES?

Planning to meet the needs and aspirations of the Hills Shire community involves consideration of current and future recreation and leisure needs. This includes both new and existing facilities.

Community aquatic facilities play an important role in providing residents social, recreational and sporting opportunities. While there is community interest in a future second aquatic facility, we must first assess and address the existing offering at Waves.

Opened in 1967, the facility is ageing and requires renewal which cannot wait. With modern upgrades and design improvements the future use and experience of Waves will be enhanced.

WILL THE DESIGN INCLUDE SOLAR AND SMART ENERGY TECHNOLOGY?

Yes, the plan is to incorporate energy efficient systems, sustainable materials, and smart energy features into the design and operation of the new facility.

WHO WILL OPERATE THE FACILITY WHEN IT RE-OPENS?

Waves will remain a community asset. Before the new Centre opens, Council will assess and consider the best management option for the operation of the facility.

WILL THE ROSE GARDEN BE IMPACTED?

The construction of the new Waves Aquatic Centre will have a minor impact on the Roxborough Park Rose Garden however Council is committed to retaining and improving the garden. Council has budgeted $300,000 for upgrades to the Rose Garden, and this is expected to begin within the next 12 months.  

• As part of the aquatic centre upgrade, Council needs to manage the overland flow of water in the Roxborough Park site as an identified floodway sits within it.
• Council has worked hard to minimise the impact to the rose garden where it borders the aquatic centre, however a small section will be impacted. This area will be reprofiled, resulting in the removal of the existing garden beds along the pool boundary edge. These white 'iceberg' roses will be transplanted into the gardens at Cropley House.
• Some garden beds at the north-east end of the site are impacted and varieties of these roses will be transplanted within the garden.

 Waves Upgrade Map - Roxborough Park Rose Garden Changes(PDF, 418KB)

WILL GREEN SPACE AND TREES BE RETAINED WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT?

Yes, green space and trees are an important part of Waves. Many of the Palm Trees will be removed and put back.

WILL THERE BE A HYDROTHERAPY POOL?

The design needs to consider an overall aquatic centre offer – one that is the most suitable for the diverse range of user groups. At this stage a warm water pool, suitable for hydrotherapy activity, has been included. We are also planning for a separate Spa and Sauna space.

WILL THERE BE A CAFE?

Yes. A new cafe facility is planned, and is intended to have three access points – from the foyer, from the pool side, and from outside the front – providing different spaces to sit and enjoy the facility.

WILL LOCKERS BE AVAILABLE?

Yes. The exact number, type, and location of lockers is being determined as part of the detailed design.

WILL THERE BE A DEDICATED SPACE FOR LANE/LAP SWIMMERS WITH THE NEW POOL?

The plan is to provide additional water space over what is currently available. The current 50m pool, for instance, has 8 lanes, and the new 50m pool will have 10 lanes.

WILL THERE BE MORE PARKING?

The Masterplan provides for additional off-street and undercover parking within the site.

HOW WILL THIS REDEVELOPMENT BE PAID FOR?

Council committed to a $55 million Masterplan for Waves and is now seeking support from State and Federal funding partnerships to bring the entire project to fruition. The aim is to ensure that this public asset achieves the right balance between community needs and value. For more information, read the media release here.

HOW CAN I KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE UPGRADE OF THE FACILITY?

Consultation with the users of Waves, and with the broader community, is an essential part of the project development. During the project journey, Council will share key milestones and developments on its website. You can keep in touch via our social media platforms, and if you have a query that has not been answered, you can contact us via this online form.

Council also has a community engagement e-newsletter which sends monthly updates on major projects happening across The Hills Shire, including the Waves Aquatic Centre Upgrade. To subscribe to the Hills Have Your Say e-newsletter, click here.

WHEN WILL THE NEW AQUATIC CENTRE REOPEN?

We have always allowed approx. 18 - 24 months for this project, however, we will not have a clear estimated opening date until the construction contract has been agreed, awarded, and signed.

We aim to complete this project and open it to the community as soon as possible.

Notification Letter No.1(PDF, 467KB)

Notification Letter No.2(PDF, 103KB)

Notification Letter No.3(PDF, 417KB)

Notification Letter No.4(PDF, 188KB)

Notification Letter No.5(PDF, 103KB)

Notification Letter No.6(PDF, 102KB)

Notification Letter No.7(PDF, 106KB)

Notification Letter No.8(PDF, 306KB)

Notification Letter No.9(PDF, 596KB)

Notification Letter No.10(PDF, 372KB)

Notification Letter No. 11(PDF, 108KB)