<div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="23b7f5a0-23b6-4471-af49-8e130e431c4f"><p>Opening a new community facility is a monumental task that requires years of strategic planning, intergovernmental collaboration, and operational foresight. Transforming a visionary concept into a thriving community hub is no small feat. So, what exactly does it take to get it right? </p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="8271514d-0741-4da0-b355-daab9d831d94"><h5>Here are five things councils should think about when considering opening a new leisure facility:</h5></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="bd8a9bd6-c683-44ea-a329-03fa49b2ea8a"><h5>1. Beauty vs. Function</h5></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="9b7c77c5-d23e-486d-8b22-34092e295ab6"><p>When establishing a modern aquatic and recreation space, striking the perfect balance between architectural appeal and practical utility is critical. The Salisbury Aquatic Centre exemplifies this synergy. Architecturally, the facility integrates seamlessly into the natural landscape of ‘Happy Home Reserve’, pairing contemporary sightlines with an inviting, sunlit café and expansive picnic greens. Operationally, it is engineered for uncompromising community utility. <br /><br />The year-round indoor precinct houses a four-lane lap pool, a specialised program pool, and a comprehensive<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://salisburyaquaticcentre.com.au/health-club/"> <u>BlueFit Health Club</u></a> delivering targeted fitness solutions. Seasonally, the outdoor space activates as a dynamic, multi-generational hub, featuring an eight-lane 50-metre pool, an interactive splash pad, and a landmark 10-metre triple waterslide tower. Ultimately, the Salisbury Aquatic Centre proves that civic beauty and practical utility do not compete, they seamlessly elevate one another.<br /></p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="26432ad0-688f-4325-9686-7dc3344a86a6"><br /></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="113963b7-9bcd-48d8-9146-f671af1aae05"><h5>2. Build Based on Your Future Community, Not the Past </h5></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="8306ecda-1349-4f01-9f61-ebd28ebecdcd"><p>A new facility should never just serve the demographic of today, it must anticipate the community of tomorrow. A prime example of this philosophy in action is the upcoming <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/aarc"><u>Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre (AARC)</u></a>. Back in 2001, the Alkimos-Eglinton area recorded a population of just 37 residents. Today, it is a bustling urban frontier of over 21,000 people, with projections showing the suburb will more than double to 35,000 residents by 2046.<br /></p><p>Historically, a new aquatic centre wasn't projected for this area until 2040. By acknowledging this explosive demographic shift, fierce advocacy led to an $88 million intergovernmental investment that brought the timeline forward to 2026. When planning infrastructure, you must analyse the data and build for the families who will be there in a decade, rather than relying on the population size of census past.<br /><br /><strong>Have We Considered Future Growth in the Current Design?</strong> <br /><br />Designing for the future also means embedding flexibility into the core infrastructure. When reviewing blueprints, we always ask: <em>have we considered future growth in the current design?</em> <br /><br />Again, when strategising Alkimos, the facility strategically anchors the growing town centre near upcoming METRONET stations, integrating seamlessly with incoming retail and commercial spaces. By including an eight-lane 50-metre outdoor pool, three indoor pools, and scalable spaces like a dedicated crèche and versatile indoor sports courts, the physical infrastructure is fully equipped to handle surging demand as the local population doubles.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="ae629c45-944f-4014-b6b5-424f72625792"><figure><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6993ed1c84f01f1608f12373/6ad6c3bbb3c9f386dd8139f7_Alkimos.png" alt="" /><figcaption>Alkimos Aquatic &amp; Recreation Centre (AARC) Indoor Play Pool</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="3565713d-43ec-4a83-a05b-4389fbf2acf8"><p>When thinking about the future, we also need to consider what that future demographic looks like. In locations where there are booming numbers of new Australians, 50m Pools are not the answer. Shallow, programmable space is vital not only for young students learning to swim but also for older adults looking to do aquatic exercise such as aqua or walking. These facilities must be designed to allow for the majority of your residents and rate payers to safely use the facility and not cater for an elite few.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="f072e9de-92fc-4cd3-824c-063400b56b5a"><br /></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="25a52423-1ddc-443f-a29b-3d09f2acbff6"><h5>3. Engage the Operator as Early as Possible</h5></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="33d3da3f-3855-4fd6-beb5-b1a5a26f6e9a"><p>Incorporating operational expertise during the initial design phase is a critical step in mitigating risk and preventing costly post-construction retrofits. At BlueFit, our site support design teams collaborate with councils early in the planning process. This ensures practical requirements, such as optimal lifeguard positioning, efficient entry and check-in flows, and commercially viable health club layouts, are integrated into the initial blueprints.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="ab1820a6-f90e-4d63-847d-91794a6f1002"><br /></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="4ac4b07e-82a5-4071-9ea3-abc9a31f6ace"><h5>4. Work With the Operator, But Let Them Do What They Do Best </h5></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="af6145bc-3496-418d-8af7-3bd73585dc52"><p>Maximising the return on public investment relies on clear, complementary partnerships. Councils and state governments drive the funding, policy, and strategic vision of a project. Once built, delegating the day-to-day management to experienced operators ensures the space is fully activated. Leveraging an operator’s specialised expertise in programming, from comprehensive aquatic education to managing diverse sports leagues and fitness, ensures the facility achieves high community utilisation and delivers on its mandate as a key social and health asset.<br /></p><p>The right operator will work in partnership with council to ensure your objectives are being met while respecting and maintaining the asset for future generations.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="0c3e485b-d76b-4e1c-9f83-d163538c15c8"><h5>5. Learn from the mistakes of others</h5></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="a9af0ab5-c79e-4619-b043-d0721be97392"><p>So what are the mistakes we see architects and councils make over and over again?</p><ul><li><p>Splashpads should not go next to deep 50m Pools</p></li><li><p>Putting too much deep water is a no no. Have you got enough space for the popular programming that requires shallow water such as  learning to swim and Aqua? </p></li><li><p>Is your health club big enough?</p></li><li><p>Have you put enough group fitness spaces in considering your expected membership?</p></li><li><p>Does your stadium have enough seating? </p></li><li><p>Do you have enough networking points to ensure internet throughout the building? </p></li><li><p>Not bringing on the operator early enough, the sooner the operator can get involved the better the outcome will be for the council and the community.</p></li></ul></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="4652aedc-2d02-4a91-a252-2384113bd30c"><br /></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="fc00eec5-22d2-4b28-b725-82a0219f7924"><h5>We asked our team what they think is important for councils to consider when opening new leisure facilities: </h5></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="b5a3f00b-4dd0-482c-8bc5-108a5caa9cc5"><figure><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6993ed1c84f01f1608f12373/6ad6c83c033a3150d71438d1_Untitled%20Design.png" alt="" /></figure></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="ed4bc673-ca34-4c2f-9ba4-484879a17645"><h6>Lee Jeka - GM Leisure</h6></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="af99e9ed-059e-4173-9c54-23dcf64e98cd"><blockquote><p>Building a new leisure facility means prioritising safety and function. Keep deep water away from toddler splash pads, skip the rapid rivers, and make sure lifeguards can see everything. Don't forget the gym - make sure the floor plan is large enough to comfortably fit your expected members!</p></blockquote></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="e9d3817f-577d-4f71-a8e5-b4d289457423"><h6>Lauren Dittmar - CPO</h6></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="a4f60631-229d-4b6a-a7a2-0b0e9787e85d"><blockquote><p>Councils need to look after their team by providing right-sized change rooms, secure lockers, and dedicated showers for swim instructors. It’s also crucial to consider how lighting reflects off the pool to prevent dangerous glare and keep everyone safe.</p></blockquote></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="587b78d3-9b4c-47d9-b9fc-c34d4f6ab160"><h6>Kate Apostolou - National Customer Success Manager</h6></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="08669720-1d7e-472d-b957-e56c14299b0c"><blockquote><p>Plan for extra parking! Inside, ensure the reception area has ample storage and the health club is scaled for the local demographic, keeping future 24/7 access in mind. Round out the experience with dedicated retail space and plenty of seating around pools and stadiums.</p></blockquote></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="060feed7-859d-4740-ace4-3b92c052b2d8"><h6>Candice LeMarchant - People and Culture Manager</h6></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="c0665618-c1d6-4498-bd60-cb9702d37754"><blockquote><p>When opening new leisure facilities, councils really need to prepare for the massive crowds that hit the cafe on busy summer days or during swimming carnivals. From a staff well-being perspective, it's essential to design service areas that flow well and to install safe, high-capacity kitchen equipment, especially fryers. This ensures the team can keep up with fast food prep safely and efficiently without getting overwhelmed when the rush is on.</p></blockquote></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="25a65d30-8cbc-4862-990c-51353a5b5730"><h6>Yvette Murie - National Program Support Manager</h6></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="47d3c31b-8d89-417a-92ab-f11262d60b38"><blockquote><p>Prioritise key details: correct pool depths, wellness areas with shaded seating, a higher reception desk for customer interactions, and a fully equipped, shared staff room for the whole team.</p></blockquote></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="e28f70ed-78af-43c3-9e29-cce211c5cf14"><h6>Leonie Shaw - GM Community Engagement, Events &amp; Programs</h6></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="f71ffee6-3a54-410f-aade-5bb829b6e08d"><blockquote><p>The branding for the facility needs to be considered and created during the design phase so that architects can incorporate the colours, patterns and brand personality into the design of the building.</p></blockquote></div>