Official opening for Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre scheduled for 13th November

The highly anticipated opening of the City of Darebin’s new innovative Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) will see it open its doors to the public on Monday 13th November 2023.

The new facility has been crafted for the rapidly growing and diverse community of Melbourne’s 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 50 metre heated pool and nature-based splash pad. Indoor aquatics will feature an eight-lane 25 metre 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 800 metre² 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.

Looking forward to the opening, Darebin Mayor, Julie Williams stated “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.

“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 will be operated by Clublinks, which, in partnership with the City of Darebin, also operates Narrandjeri Stadium, Darebin Community Sports Stadium, Bundoora Park Public Golf Course and Northcote Public Golf Course.

Noting that the facility will be an incredible asset to Darebin, with innovative activities, programming and events created to attract people from across the community, Clublinks Chief Executive, Anthony Lawrence added “the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre will be a true neighbourhood hub, in which all members of the community will feel welcomed.

“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.

‘Big Warm-Up’ events will be held in the lead-up to opening include a Community Open Day on Sunday 12th November.

Images: NARC's mascot engages with locals (top), the facility's indoor 25 metre pool (middle) and its aquatic play area (below).