WHEN WILL WAVES CLOSE?
Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre will be closing on 31 March 2020 as planned with the exciting refurbishment of the facility to begin immediately.
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 & Excercise While Waves is Closed Map(PDF, 636KB)
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CLOSURE OF THE FACILITY?
Directly following the closure, decommissioning of the site will take place in April*, including removal of equipment, dismantling operating systems, safety works, and early works in preparation for demolition.
Early works during May* will involve site establishment, site fencing site office installation, safety assessments, building demolition preparation, and the start of demolition works.
Once demolition is completed, construction will start.
*subject to change
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. The type and extent of these technologies is being finalised - this will be part of the detailed design.
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?
No, the rose garden will not be impacted by the redevelopment. There are no plans to increase the footprint of the current development area into the rose garden.
WILL GREEN SPACE AND TREES BE RETAINED WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT?
Yes, green space and trees are an important part of Waves. The detailed design will be required to retain or incorporate as many natural features as possible.
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.
HOW MUCH MORE CAR PARKING WILL BE PROVIDED?
An important design goal is to provide as many car spaces for parking as possible within the Waves redevelopment. The exact numbers are not available while design is in progress, but an additional 20 spots may be provided near the entrance, and another additional 40 spots in an under-croft car park. Final numbers will be determined with the final design.
HOW WILL THIS REDEVELOPMENT BE PAID FOR?
Council is directly funding the Waves Redevelopment Project. The aim is to ensure that this public asset achieves the right balance between community needs and value.
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.
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.