Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre
Keilor Downs, VIC
This comprehensive rebuild of St Albans Leisure Centre delivered a new aquatic, health and wellbeing hub incorporating a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool, learn-to-swim facilities, warm water program pool, water slides, 24-hour gymnasium, café, creche, allied health centre, and community services tenancies. Designed with a strong sustainability focus, the facility is both the first all-electric and first 6 Star Green Star Design & As-built aquatic centre in Australia.
Client
Brimbank City Council
Project Budget
$65M
Lead Consultant
Williams Ross Architects
BRT Scope of Service
Building Services
Engineering from
Feasibility Study to
Construction Completion
People-first solutions
Our 30-year working relationship with Williams Ross Architects enabled us to collaboratively develop a detailed understanding of each user group’s distinct operational requirements and functional needs, informing our design of separate energy metering, security, and controls across aquatics, fitness, allied health tenancies, and community services. Our early establishment of close working relationships with the ESD Consultant (LCI) and Council to support Green Star certification targets also enabled us to successfully navigate the significant midproject shift to full electrification.
Systems thinking approach
Applying a comprehensive understanding of the facility ecosystem, we incorporated the unique ‘Air Balance’ Air Pressurisation System throughout the pool halls. This sophisticated control system maintains even temperature distribution, enhancing air quality and significantly reducing pool water evaporation, structural condensation, energy consumption, and maintenance costs.
Integrated service advantage
Our unique one-engineer approach enabled us to build strong working relationships founded on mutual respect and continuity, and guide design solutions that holistically consider the facility’s services ecosystem.
With our Director in Charge driving the design through the feasibility and schematic design phases, then maintaining oversight as our Associate led detailed design and tender documentation, we were able to leverage the combined aquatics expertise of both senior team members to develop mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and fire systems that seamlessly integrate with pool chemistry, structural considerations, and operational workflows.
Going the extra mile
We translated our extensive aquatic centre experience into practical guidance for Council, presenting design options with real-world performance data and clear recommendations that aligned sustainability goals with operational realities. When Council resolved to pursue full electrification mid-way through the project, BRT assisted Council in understanding the cost and holistic project implications. We then proactively explored heat pump technologies, providing detailed analysis of equipment options, refrigerant choices, and lifecycle costs.
Working collaboratively with the large consultant team and actively engaging with the D&C contractor ADCO and subcontractors, we built trust and understanding across the entire project network to achieve the best possible outcome for Council and the diverse users of the new centre.
