ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033 Economic Development Directorate : Sp

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033 Economic Development Directorate : Sport and Recreation Services

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

Contents 1.

2.

3.

4.

Forward

p.5

1.1.

1.2.

Introduction Planning Aquatic Facilities

p.5 p.5

1.3.

1.4.

Appreciating What We Have Future Provision Directions

p.5 p.6

Planning Aquatic Facilities

p.7 p.8

2.1.

2.2.

Providing For Diverse Needs ACTIVE 2020 strategic plan

2.3.

2.4.

Vision for Universal Access to Quality Aquatic Facility Services Planning Social Infrastructure

2.5.

Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework Objectives

p.9

2.6.

2.7.

Keeping the Plan Current Co-Location and Integration of Facilities1

p.10 p.11

2.8.

2.9.

Feasibility Planning Facilitation and Partnership

p.12 p.13

2.10.

Consultation and Research

p.13

p.8 p.9 p.9

Responding to a Growing Population with Changing Needs

p.14

3.1.

Population Change and Growth

p.15

3.2.

Population Demographics

p.15

3.3.

Education Needs

p.16

3.3.1.

Education Programs

p.17

3.3.2.

ACT Royal Life Saving Society & Aquatics Provision in the ACT

3.3.3.

Education Facility Needs Summary Points

p.17 p.17 p.18

3.4.

Evolving Community Expectations

3.5.

Impact on Facilities and Services

p.19

3.5.1.

Facilities

p.19

3.5.2.

Services

p.19

Existing Provision 4.1.

4.2.

4.3.

Existing Aquatic Facilities and Services 4.1.1.

Existing Aquatic Facilities : Pools Provision

p.18

p.20 p.21 p.21

4.1.2.

Existing Aquatic Facilities : Locations and Services Summary

p.22

4.1.3.

4.1.4.

Ownership of Facilities Current Planning and Development for New Facilities

p.23 p.24

2013 Locations and Catchment Area Maps 4.2.1.

Existing Aquatic Facilities / Districts

p.25

4.2.2.

p.26

Existing Facilities - 10km radiuses and Transport Corridors

p.25

4.2.3.

Existing Facilities - 5km radiuses and Transport Corridors Types, Diversity and Scale of Facilities

p.27

4.3.1.

4.3.2.

Specialist Facilities District Aquatic Facilities

p.28

4.3.3.

A Future City Aquatic Facility

p.29

4.3.4.

Existing Aquatic Facilities in the ACT

p.29

p.28 p.28

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

5.

Providing for Future Needs

p.30

5.1.

p.31 p.31

Developing Current Capacity 5.1.1.

5.1.2.

6.

Providing for Diversity and Quality of Aquatic Services Access to Facilities

p.31

5.2.

5.1.3.

Proximity to Major Town Centres, Community and Transport Hubs Future Directions for Meeting Provision Needs

p.31 p.32

5.3.

District and Central Canberra Community Provision

p.33

5.3.1.

5.3.2.

Keeping The Aquatic Planning Framework Current and Assessment of Quality Gungahlin Leisure Centre (Under Development)

p.33 p.33

5.3.3.

5.3.4.

North Canberra and Central Canberra Molonglo, Weston Creek and Woden Valley

p.34 p.35

5.3.5.

Weston Creek / Molonglo (Stromlo Leisure Centre)

p.35

5.3.6.

5.3.7.

South Canberra Belconnen

p.35

5.3.8.

5.3.9.

Tuggeranong Projected Suburban Growth 2033

p.36 p.36 p.37

Principles for Best Practice

p.38

6.1.

6.2.

Planning and Design Principles for Aquatic Facilities Spatial Needs : Area Requirements

p.39 p.39

6.3.

6.4.

Design for Universal Access Ecologically Sensitive and Environmentally Sustainable Design

p.40 p.40

6.5.

Life Cycle Management

p.41

6.6.

6.7.

Measuring Success Conclusion

p.42 p.42

Meadows Community Recreation Centre & Edmonton Public Library / Group2 Architecture Engineering & Shore Tilbe Perkins + Will

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

1.

Foreword 1.1.

1.2.

1.3.

1.4.

Introduction Planning Aquatic Facilities Appreciating What we Have Providing for Future Needs

Hallenbad Frutigen BE, Switzerland, IttenBrechb端hl Page 4 of 42

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

1.1

Introduction

This Planning Framework has been prepared to help guide future planning decisions for ACT Government aquatic facilities by providing a summary of current context and demand for aquatic facilities across the ACT. To achieve that it has been essential to bring together recent data and information to better understand the current and potential future mix of Aquatic Facilities in the ACT and to summarise it in this framework. The framework’s findings are intended to guide further consultation, setting of priorities, and decision making with a focus on the future direction of Government funded Aquatic Facilities in the ACT. Although private facilities are referenced as providing for market and specialist needs, the framework focuses principally on ACT Government facilities, noting that private / commercial facilities play a role in the market and overall provision of aquatic facilities and services in the ACT. As a planning framework it is an informed guide for consideration and reference. It does not commit this government, or any future government, to provide partial or full funding for any of the identified projects within any specific timeframe. Generally, the progression of any of the identified projects will be subject to future detailed design processes, as outlined in this document, including appropriate stakeholder consultation.

1.2

Planning Aquatic Facilities Needs

Successive Federal and ACT Governments have facilitated and provided community aquatic facilities for ACT residents. As a result Canberra has a proud social history around swimming and aquatic recreation. The purpose of this Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework is to assist the future planning of aquatic facilities in the ACT for a vision of community access appreciating: ⎯ Sport, leisure, health and wellbeing benefits as well as contribution to social cohesion, community pride and economic growth ⎯ Water safety ⎯ Community and stakeholder consultation to understand changing community expectations for aquatic programs and services ⎯ Population demographics and growth ⎯ Contribution of aquatic facilities to ACT Social Infrastructure and requirements for education and training ⎯ Current facility network capacity ⎯ The mix of private and public provision ⎯ Opportunities for co-location providing greater viability ⎯ Design for universal access and for reducing environmental footprint with whole of life considerations ⎯ Connected facilities with transport needs and urban integration ⎯ Alignment with concurrent ACT planning frameworks and strategies ⎯ Delivery partnerships.

1.3

Appreciating What We Have

The ACT has a wide range of aquatic facilities with a high ratio of facilities within relatively easy access for Canberra’s population. The ACT Government has traditionally provided community and district facilities with contracted managers while private providers have catered to specialist markets with smaller facilities. The mix of provision maybe changing with some private providers now investing in larger scale provision with the opportunity for some community use. Understanding the types and scale of our existing facilities and the diversity of the services they offer informs us as to how needs are being met and where there may be gaps in provision. Tracking changes of existing centres over time against current and projected needs will allow both the opportunity to make the most of what we have now as well as plan what will be required to meet growing future needs. The ACT population is growing with new northern suburbs emerging in Gungahlin and recently to the west at Molonglo.

The density of the inner City is also increasing with greater density of urban development. The overall population is projected to grow with a demographic increase in the proportion of younger and older age groups influencing services demand. Together with needs to be accommodated in new areas, the mix of current facilities are summarised in this framework to be at various stages of their service life with opportunities to develop and aggregate aquatic programs as the need to upgrade their infrastructure arises.

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

1.4

Future Provision Directions

Considering the population demand assessment summary with the locations and number of existing facilities there is an apparent need to : 1. Maintain and develop facilities to cater for growing populations to provide quality aquatic services in close reference to the existing aquatic facility network of public and private facilities 2. Consider opportunities of provision at both a district and broader ACT network level, appreciating the unique asset attributes of facilities and their site locations 3. Promote and develop a range and diversity of services customised to meet the needs of each location 4. Balance public with private provision to serve growing markets.

A new district facility is currently under development at Gungahlin to open in 2014 and looking to the future provision the following priorities have been determined or are under consideration: ⎯ A City Aquatic Facility in the CBD has been established as a high priority and is being considered with city planning project options coordinated by EDD ⎯ Masterplan integration for Manuka Pool within its wider precinct ⎯ A future facility for Weston Creek / Molonglo (Stromlo Leisure Centre) ⎯ Provision of a family water play area at Lakeside Leisure Centre.

Olympic pool at Sydney Olympic park aquatic centre

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

2.

Planning Aquatic Provision 2.1.

2.2.

2.3.

2.4.

2.5.

2.6.

Providing For Diverse Needs ACTIVE 2020 strategic plan Vision for Universal Access to Quality Aquatic Facility Services Planning Social Infrastructure Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework Objectives Keeping the Plan Current

2.7. Co-Location and Integration of Facilities 2.8. Feasibility Planning 2.9. Facilitation and Partnership

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

2.1

Providing For Diverse Needs

Canberra is Australia’s largest inland City and, without direct access to a coastline, aquatic facilities are recognised for their significance and contribution to the Community’s quality of life. Aquatic facilities provide numerous health, social and greater community benefits with opportunities for people of all ages are where our children engage with water fun and critical learning for their water safety. The ACT is an active, aspirational community where the provision of aquatic facilities are part of an extensive network of social infrastructure. The scale of aquatic facilities means they are spatially large symbols of the community’s identity. The physical urban footprint, use of water and energy resources and transport access necessary for aquatic facilities to meet community needs require specific network planning.

Opportunities around the provision of aquatic facilities are increasing in response to the ACT’s growing population who have increasingly diverse expectations for what aquatic facilities provide. Access to aquatic facility services are understood to complement sport, recreation, health, education, community services and other potential co-located services and functions.

Aquatic provision is being developed in association with other community facilities, including schools, libraries, health services, meeting facilities, outdoor sporting facilities, specialist and general retail centres and transport nodes. Such a mix achieves functional “synergies” essential for the the viability and attraction of facilities to support healthy and active communities. Within these contexts aquatic facilities make a significant social and economic contribution stretching beyond their locations to the whole of the ACT. From these broader functional opportunities the configuration for each centre needs to be adapted and customised to meet unique site variables and the specific requirements of each community. A number of community factors are influencing the expectation and direction of the delivery of aquatic services in line with national and international trends for recreation, including: ⎯ Extended and more flexible work and business hours ⎯ Greater affluence and diversity of interests ⎯ Population growth generally, as well as particular demographic - cultural sectors, and greater older and younger population groups ⎯ Technological innovation ⎯ Developments in commercial leisure markets ⎯ Investment of the private sector to cater for commercial markets ⎯ Recognition of aquatic centres contribution to health and participation in active leisure pursuits ⎯ Environmental responses ⎯ New population growth areas ⎯ Greater consumer expectations of quality and professional service.

2.2

Planning Social Infrastructure

“Social infrastructure provision is integral to the creation of sustainable communities as it contributes much of the glue that holds communities together, providing services and facilities that meet the needs of residents, promote social interaction and enhance the overall quality of life within a community.” [Planning for social infrastructure in development projects A guide to tackling the key Aquatic facilities are part of a broad social infrastructure network that includes education,

challenges, British Property Federation, Sec 1: 6.]

health, community and other sport and recreation facilities. It is understood that the relatively small percentage of facility development expenditure dedicated to planning and consultation magnifies the value of what the process provides for future provision. It is the most efficient and cheapest path toward “getting it right” as far as could be foreseen. Aquatic facilities are large and significant social places which contribute to a district’s identity and with other social infrastructure influences where people want to live and work. Place-making and the spatial planning system make the provision of social infrastructure central to the delivery of successful places and healthy communities. Well planned, developed and operated they meet essential diverse needs of residents, are sensitive to the environment and contribute to a high quality of life.

With the current Territory Plan, the ACT Planning Strategy provides context for future planning of Aquatic Facilities in the ACT. The strategy “establishes how our territory will develop into the future to meet the aspirations of the people and the environmental, social and economic challenges of the 21st century.” As Canberra continues to develop and grow we are confronted with Page 8 of 42

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

questions of how to keep and improve the best of what we have to meet changing community expectations with the provision of Government aquatic facilities. Economic conditions are also always evolving for planning to keep pace.

How do we decide to maintain, upgrade, or create opportunities for new and different facilities to deliver the quality services that we need ? Some of the answers become clearer with: ⎯ Assessment of current service needs, how they are being met with existing facilities and services mix ⎯ Understanding how community needs are changing and are likely to trend in the future ⎯ Taking into account projected population demographics and urban growth to establish where and when new services will be required ⎯ Referencing other planning input, particularly “The ACT Planning Strategy” ⎯ Consulting broadly with communities and user groups ⎯ Investigating the market and services delivery ⎯ Mapping current facilities, site linkages and proximities with regional catchments ⎯ Understanding how services are delivered and managed with the capital and revenue costs of service provision ⎯ Learning from available strategies, studies, feasibilities and reports for a coordinated planning approach.

These are approaches adopted for this Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework.

2.3

ACTIVE 2020 Strategic Plan

Aquatic facility services contribute to the strategic initiatives and objectives of the "ACTIVE 2020 Strategic Plan for sport and active recreation in the ACT 2011-2020". The key priorities of this strategic plan are identified as : 1. “Maximise community engagement (participation) in sport and active recreation 2. Greater acknowledgement and promotion of the health, education and social benefits of sport and active recreation 3. Increase capacity and capability of sport and active recreation to provide quality opportunities in the ACT 4. Maximise opportunities for outstanding individual successes 5. Maximise opportunities for sustainable outstanding team performances 6. Create Canberra’s image as the “National Sporting Capital” 7. Maximise supporting infrastructure and resources.” ( A Strategic Plan for Sport and Active Recreation in the ACT & Region 2011–2020, p.8 http://www.towards2020.moonfruit )

Other recent planning directions and strategies that are a reference for this framework include: ⎯ ACT Government Health Directorate Physical Activity Strategic Framework 2013–2015 ⎯ National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework ⎯ The ACT Planning Strategy.

2.4

Vision for Access to Quality Aquatic Services

This Planning Framework supports a vision for community access to quality aquatic facilities, programs and services. It is intended to complement the series of recently released strategies and plans to be part of implementing this vision to optimise the facilities we have with forward planning based on community expectations and needs to provide for the benefits an integrated network of aquatic facilities can provide.

2.5

Aquatic Planning Framework Objectives

For achieving the vision of community access, the Planning Framework provides an overview and explains the aquatic facility network as a basis for consultation and planning, and to communicate the network’s status with opportunities for future provision. Key objectives of the Planning Framework include : ⎯ Document the extent and requirements of community (including education) needs for universal access to aquatic facilities ⎯ To put forward targets appropriate to meet the characteristics of those needs ⎯ To understand and incorporate the projected increase in the ACT’s population and where residential growth will occur Page 9 of 42

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

⎯ Provide an assessment of the ACT’s existing ACT aquatic facility services and their legacy ⎯ Contribute to the ACT’s planning of the greater Social Infrastructure facilities networks ⎯ Document provision trends, outlining both current and the future range of services ⎯ Develop future direction and goals in partnership with those delivering current capacity ⎯ Allow for suitable site provision to optimise facility’s design ⎯ Identify opportunities for co-located and functionally diverse district facilities to act as community-activity hubs ⎯ Pursue innovative solutions to reduce aquatic facilities ecological footprint ⎯ Support urban integration by providing for efficient transport connections ⎯ Consider performance monitoring and life cycle management requirements ⎯ Document timelines for frequent review to capture changes in demand.

The specific goals of the Planning Framework are to indicate : ⎯ Areas of greatest need ⎯ Facilities mix requirements (eg., sport, recreation, health, education, community, retail - commercial) ⎯ Potential physical scale of future facilities (to be further specifically determined where required in feasibility as per section 2.8) ⎯ Support of the Territory Plan and ACT Planning Strategy with site development aligned with principles for integrated urban development ⎯ Maintenance of quality facility asset management ⎯ Ensure appropriate connection of social and community services with site locations.

Implementation of the Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework supports : ⎯ Royal Life Saving’s aim for all children to have the opportunity to learn to swim with further swimming and water safety education ⎯ Getting our kids in the water ⎯ Addressing needs of insufficient swim training water ⎯ Competitive swimming, including school swimming carnivals/events, as well as creating opportunities for other water sports ⎯ Provision of pathways to athletes, coaches and officials to sporting teams and competitions ⎯ Facility services that support community programs for young and older age groups to operate throughout the day ⎯ A range of aquatic/swimming events being hosted in the ACT ⎯ Wet and dry activities that enhance health and fitness ⎯ Remedial health ⎯ Programs for all ages.

This is not a conclusive list but represents factors which influence upon current and future planning of aquatic facilities.

2.6

Keeping the Plan Current with Ongoing Consultation

This Planning Framework remains a work in progress tool to guide the provision of facilities and services targeted to community expectations. Together with regular research updates, the success and currency of aquatic facilities planning depends upon ongoing consultation and collaboration to monitor and include changes in : ⎯ Market provision, take up of services and monitoring of facility quality ⎯ Mix of services available ⎯ Community expectations and market demand ⎯ Aquatic facility status, ⎯ Planning inputs, amendments and changes to the Territory Plan, ⎯ Population growth, ⎯ Patterns or trends in needs and ⎯ Economic conditions which may in turn change the recommended program of action.

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

2.7

Co-Location and Integration of Facilities

Clustered and co-located social infrastructure offers a range of socio-economic and environmental benefits that cannot be achieved in segregated, stand alone facilities. Community aquatic centres are no longer just swimming pools, they are activity generators, social spaces and community hubs with a range of programs customised in each case. Co-located services are necessary for facilities to be viable and to meet competing service demands. As a result trends are well established for integrating and co-locating facilities as part of a “village”, or town centres, consisting of community and education facilities with aquatic facility hubs. This can involve co-location of aquatic facilities with : ⎯ Universities, ⎯ Schools, and training facilities ⎯ Early years and family services ⎯ Community centres, meeting rooms and seminar space ⎯ Neighbourhood houses ⎯ Libraries ⎯ Health services (such as, medical centres, therapeutic and remedial health) ⎯ Retail hubs and services ⎯ Other recreation and sports facilities (including dry fitness programming, playing courts, and fields) ⎯ Transport nodes ⎯ Youth facilities ⎯ Exhibition and other public program space ⎯ Entertainment facilities.

Opportunities for co-location will vary for every site in response to its location, connections and community. Hospitals may prefer to utilise offsite hydrotherapy facilities with aquatic facilities for more efficient placement of infrastructure and access to services.

Schools, TAFE and other training and education facilities may use space provided in a leisure centre for complementary training and education away from the school environment. Retail centres can also benefit by the connected, flow on effects of colocation with aquatic facilities. Community and recreation facilities are now being located in shopping centres, often as a result of a partnership between the local authority and a developer. Shopping centre owners are aware of the large numbers of people who come into community, fitness and leisure facilities and therefore into their shopping centres each day. The lack of available suitable sites, together with scarce resources and the growing need for more efficient and environmentally sustainable land use is a major influence on design. These realities are all encouraging customised co-location of more than one facility on the same site, reversing the formula used in the past of isolated, inefficient facilities.

Due to the economics of running large aquatic facilities there needs to be effective co-location of dry-fitness and other programs essential for a mix of services to attract a wide patronage and to provide value for the returns required for services. Co-located facilities offer greater compatibility benefits for the following reasons: ⎯ Greater viability with significant efficiency savings, economies of scale and avoidance of duplication of infrastructure and services such as parking, utilities, amenities, management, and promotion. ⎯ Facilitate a more inclusive community that can transcend age groups and cultural barriers to build and nourish social capital and create measurable triple bottom line outcomes ⎯ Provide higher value and more efficient use of space - maximising the ‘service offer’, sustaining a longer duration of stay and hours of operation with opportunities for social interaction ⎯ Allow access to multiple funding and investment channels not otherwise achievable.

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

Diagram 2.7 - Connected Aquatic Facility functions

2.8

Feasibility Planning

When specific sites and needs are being considered for planning, a feasibility study will test and detail what will be necessary for the scope and success of the project. Feasibility studies are a fundamental component of detailed site planning, incorporating consultation with community and user groups, testing options for the business case, management and operation models, economic potential, social needs, site advantages and constraints together with design options and requirements. This process details issues to complete due diligence for the pre-planning process and provides information required for a project’s scope. A feasibility report may include the following in its evaluation: ⎯ Background Research ⎯ Demand Analysis (social, economic) and opportunities this analysis suggests for services to be provided ⎯ Communication and consultation reports, including community, education, sporting, professional groups ⎯ Current service market offerings, segmentation and projected growth in each market segment ⎯ Business plan options, financing and projected cash flows ⎯ Funding strategies, ⎯ Operations model(s) with definition of proposed facility management structure and methodology ⎯ Co-location opportunities ⎯ Services provision plan ⎯ Cost analysis for budget planning ⎯ Environment and site assessment, issues and constraints ⎯ Linkages to other sites and developments ⎯ Open space and infrastructure needs ⎯ site specific Information to inform the design ⎯ Project risk analysis ⎯ Benchmarks, comparisons and recommendations ⎯ Timing and program of development.

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

2.9

Facilitation and Partnership

Community access to aquatic facilities in the ACT is achieved through a mix of public and private provision. From the perspective of future planning and provision of publicly owned facilities and recognising that the ACT’s aquatic facilities are comprised of a mix of public and private facilities, the ACT Government has an ongoing interest in understanding the intentions of private owners/operators regarding the future upgrade or redevelopment intentions for privately owned facilities. Private provision is usually of a smaller scale, catering for specific markets. The private and institutional facilities catering for market segments have an important provision role complementing larger-scale facilities. The needs and provision for larger, district scale facilities with broader community uses is generally beyond the capacity of the market to deliver and traditionally provided by Government, administered in the ACT under the Economic Development Directorate (EDD), Sport and Recreation Services (SRS).

2.9.1

Aquatic Facilities Network Diversity

An outcome of the Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework is to summarise aquatic facilities provision in the ACT as a basis for discussion and ongoing partnership with the community and providers. It is important that various providers communicate together and address opportunities and changes in the provision of services.

2.9.2

Increasing Private Provision

The market is providing significant water space for specialist facilities and programs that cater for learn to swim, fitness, health, training, rehabilitation and education needs. Private investment and scale of facilities are increasing and, with this development of specialist facilities are also able to provide some community and multiple use programs. The market demonstrates this attracts broader use with multiplier benefits for facility patronage also offering opportunities for public and private sector partnership.

2.9.3

Management and Operations Partnership

Sport and Recreation Services (SRS, EDD) provides planning, support and development for significant scale district facilities to ensure public access in most examples. In most examples these facilities are currently managed and operated by private operators which SRS administers through quality performance management contracts. This model is commonly used in various forms by Governments throughout Australia allowing specialist operators to tie their businesses into delivering community services.

2.10 Consultation and Research Research for this Planning Framework is drawn from consultation and a range of resources. Apart from the framework‘s consultation and analysis, input has been drawn from background information, demographic data, reports and studies. This has particularly included recent research and planning for feasibility and design of the new Gungahlin Leisure Centre and options for the development of a City Aquatic Facility in the CBD. Community consultation is ongoing and to date has included, meetings with community service agencies and providers, managers, operators, other stakeholders such as sporting and community associations, professional organisations, Royal Life Saving and ETD.

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

3.

Responding to a Growing Population with Changing Needs 3.1. Population Change and Growth 3.2. Population Demographics 3.3. Education Needs 3.3.1.

3.3.2.

3.3.3.

Education Programs ACT Royal Life Saving Society & Aquatics Provision in the ACT Education Facility Needs Summary Points

3.4. Evolving Community Expectations 3.5. Impact on Facilities and Services 3.5.1.

3.5.2.

Facilities Services

Merida Factory Youth Movement / Selgas Cano

Les Bains Des Docks, Le Havre, Jean Nouvel Page 14 of 42

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

3.1

Population Change and Growth

Canberra is undergoing sustained growth, which evidence and the projected population statistics demonstrate will continue.

The Chief Minister and Cabinet Directorate (CMCD) released ACT Population Projections: 2009-2059 estimates the total population of the ACT in 2013 to be 374,435, growing by 2033 to 465,027 and by 2059 to 557,443. The population of the ACT has been projected to increase by approximately 205,254 persons over the period 2009-2059. As listed in Table 3.1.1 below, from these projections, in the period between 2013 and 2033, which is the focus period of this Planning Framework, there is a projected overall increase of 90,592. The Government population data demonstrates where growth will occur and where there will be needs for additional social infrastructure including aquatic facilities.

The districts where most of the population growth is planned to occur to 2033 are : ⎯ Gungahlin with an extra 30,000 residents,making up a total estimated population for the district of 80,000 by 2033, close to its maximum planned growth. ⎯ The new district of Molonglo, which is expected to grow at a similar rate as Gungahlin over the same time frame to a population of at least 30,000. Molonglo is planned to continue its growth beyond 2033.

The population statistics show there will be less dramatic but significant growth in North and South Canberra and Belconnen, while the other districts are estimated to have either very small population increases, remain close to static or possibly lose some residents.

Population Milestones - Overall ACT : ACT Overall Milestone – Projected 2013 2023 2033 2053 2059

Number of Persons Increase from 2013 374,435 423,541 465,027 537,292 557,443

49,106 90,592 162,857 183,003

Table 3.1.1 Overall ACT Population Milestones, from ACT Population Projections: 2009-2059 Summary

Population Growth per Districts : District North Canberra South Canberra Belconnen Woden Weston Creek-Stromlo Tuggeranong Gungahlin Molonglo

2009 46,850 26,000 91,250 33,800 23,300 89,800 40,900

2012 49,800 28,000 92,650 34,300 23,550 89,300 50,950 250

2015 51,650 29,000 92,350 33,850 22,850 87,200 60,450 7,450

2018 53,250 29,650 92,600 33,500 22,050 85,600 67,750 15,350

2021 Change 55,150 8,300 30,600 4,600 94,150 2,900 33,650 -150 21,850 -1,450 85,150 -4,650 72,900 32,000 20,600 20,600

351,900 368,800 384,800 399,750 414,050

62,150

Table 3.1.2 Significant ACT DistrictPopulation Milestones, from ACT Population Projections for Suburbs and Districts: 2001-2021 Summary

3.2

Population Demographics

According to Canberra Quick Stats 2009-2010 which is a compilation of Census, other ABS and other data the ACT differs from the general Australian population in the following areas : LIFE EXPECTANCY ⎯ Higher Life expectancy ⎯ Younger Median age of population (years).

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue Number 3101.0 and 3201.0

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

TRAVEL Transport ⎯ Higher proportion of population who use a private motor vehicle as the main form of transport ⎯ Lower Proportion of population who use public transport as the main form of transport ⎯ The ACT has over double the Australian Average Proportion of population who use a bicycle as the main form of transport ⎯ Less proportion of population who walk as the main form of transport.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue Number 4602.0

HEALTH : Risk Factors ⎯ Lower Incidence of overweight/obese (as measured by BMI) ⎯ Lower Percentage of the population who smoke daily (aged 18+) ⎯ Higher Adequate participation in physical activity (aged 18+) ⎯ Higher Excellent/very good health.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue Numbers 4362.0 and 4364.0

WORK : Labour Force Indicators ⎯ Significantly higher labour force participation rate and lower Unemployment.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue Number 6202.0

⎯ Higher Persons volunteering for an organisation or group.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Regional Profile.

SPORT AND RECREATION : Sports Participation ⎯ Significantly higher participation rate (adult, aged 15+) ⎯ Significantly higher Participation rate (children, aged 5-14).

Source: Australian Government, Australian Sports Commission, Department of Health and Ageing, Participation in Exercise, Recreation and Sport Annual Report 2008 and Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue Number 4156.0.

Sporting Events ⎯ Higher attendance rate at (at least one) sporting event in preceding 12 months (population aged 15+).

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue Number 4174.0.

Cultural Venues and Events ⎯ Higher Attendance rate at (at least one) cultural venue or event in preceding 12 months (population aged 15+).

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue Number 1308.8.

LEARNING Educational Attainment ⎯ Significantly Higher Year 12 attainment or equivalent (for persons aged 19) ⎯ Significantly Higher Proportion of persons with post-school qualification (persons aged 25-64).

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue Number 4102.0.

3.3

Education Needs

School use of aquatic centres is a principal component of aquatic services provision and essential to achieving Royal Life Saving, “Safe Waters ACT” and corresponding Government policies for water safety. The ACT has an approximate 50/50 split in public and independent schools. The consultation for this framework indicated that independent schools currently have a higher participation rate in aquatic programs, although funding programs supporting greater public school engagement is improving this. It is obvious that proximity and availability of facilities suitable for school use are key levers for participation.

School programs are generally run during the day at a typically quieter program time for aquatic facilities which assists keeping the cost down for schools. The biggest cost barrier for higher school participation is the high cost of transport, which is often greater than the cost of aquatic programs. Some schools have also indicated that they travel significant distances across the ACT to suitable facilities.

Education and Training Directorate (ETD) has indicated that aquatic centre locations near central schools favour their use, also supporting the planning principle of Town Centre locations. Facility features such as indoor heated, 50 metre Olympic Page 16 of 42

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

standard pools, program pools, timing pads and lots of room for spectators and participants are priorities for school programs.

Lakeside Leisure Centre and Canberra International Sports and Aquatic Centre (CISAC) are favoured for more competent swimmers and program pools with warmer water for younger swimmers and learners. Australian Institute of Sport, Lakeside Leisure Centre, CISAC and Dickson Aquatic Centre are commonly used for swimming carnivals.

3.3.1

Education Programs

Typical schools use programs include : Primary Schools ⎯ Swim and Survive Programs ⎯ End of year fun days (most schools) ⎯ Swimming Carnivals (most schools + 7 zone for primary and 2 regions for secondary and ACT carnival).

High Schools/Colleges ⎯ Lifesaving Pilot program ⎯ Lifesaving Bronze Medallion training and assessment ⎯ End of year fun days ⎯ Swimming Carnivals.

Lifesaving Bronze Medallion training and assessment, Swim and Survive programs and some learn to swim programs are run by the majority of non government schools in the ACT. This will normally be isolated to one year in primary schools (i.e. year 4) and similar 1 year in secondary schools (i.e. year 10).

A concern has been expressed by Royal Life Saving ACT and Swimming ACT that learn to swim programs, as far as they go within or outside of school programs may cause a false sense of security for a child’s water safety if “learn to swim” is not followed up by more extensive swimming and water safety programs. The views shared were that there needs to be follow up and development programs to give children the skills they need to “swim and survive”, particularly for occasional swimming in the sea.

3.3.2 Royal Life Saving ACT and Aquatics Provision in the ACT In 2008, Royal Life Saving ACT conducted the ACT Primary Schools Swim and Survive program involving nearly 3000 students from 24 ACT schools. This program provided Royal Life Saving with an opportunity to analyse the swimming abilities of ACT students and compare these results to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework. The results of the studies showed: ⎯ 28% of students in years 3–6 achieved the minimum benchmark ⎯ Average participation rate for public schools was 34% compared to private schools of 93% ⎯ Private school students achieve the minimum national benchmarks three times more than public school students ⎯ Poor outcomes are particularly evident in schools within the lower socio economic areas of Canberra ⎯ The majority of private schools in the ACT participate in school swimming and water programs every year and it is generally offered to the entire school. ⎯ Public Participation 34% ⎯ Private Participation 93% ⎯ 80% of private school students aged 10- 12 years achieved the level 4 ⎯ 46% of public school students aged 10- 12 years achieved level 4.

Public schools with over 4,000 public primary school students are now partly funded by ACT Government to undertake Swim and Survive classes. Approximately 3,000 more have participated in similar classes through their schools without funding.

However aquatics facilities need to be calibrated to provide a consistent level of access and services provision spread across ACT districts and allow for higher school use with significant increase in students over the next twenty years.

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

ACT Royal Life Saving ACT AIMS: Success Rate % of target population (I) INFANT AND PRESCHOOL Participation in the program 100% (II) PRIMARY SCHOOL Level 4 Swim and Survive 100% Level 5 Swim and Survive 75% Level 6 Swim and Survive 50% (III) SECONDARY SCHOOL RLSSA Bronze Dry Rescue 100% RLSSA Bronze Star 75% RLSSA Bronze Medallion 50% School Level

Minimum Competencies

Table 3.3.2 : Sean Hodges, Water Safety Education Competency Framework – AWSC 2007.

“Since 2011-12, the ACT Government has allocated $206,000 each year to school swimming programs to ensure students have a sound knowledge of water safety and skills in swimming, personal survival and basic rescue. This funding subsidises the cost of swimming and water safety programs to parents, particularly targeting students from low socio-economic areas.

In 2011, over 3,500 ACT public primary school students were subsidised to complete the Royal Life Saving ACT Schools Swim and Survive program. In 2012, over 7,000 students from Kindergarten to year 6 completed the program, with over 4,000 students receiving up to 50% funding subsidy for these programs.”

Section: Dr Chris Bourke, MLA, Media Releases, http://www.cmd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/bourke/2012/ students_swim_and_survive_program

3.3.3 Education Facility Needs In summary, school participation and use depends on the following: ⎯ Easily accessible district facilities close to major townships and education hubs ⎯ Cheaper transport access ⎯ Availability of coaching and training programs beyond learn to swim ⎯ Facilities with 50 metre indoor, heated olympic standard pools, program pools, timing pads and sufficient space for spectators and participants.

3.4

Evolving Community Expectations

The ACT has a rapidly growing population, with a higher proportion of younger and older age demographic than the general Australian population. The ACT Community is culturally diverse and aspirational with high expectations for living standards and who appreciate the health and social benefits of leisure activities. Education and technology in a knowledge rich society are influencing community interests and lifestyle choices. Choices for participation in leisure, recreation and aquatics are wider than ever before. Social infrastructure, incorporating sport and leisure services has also expanded in response, extending its reach of services and continuing to evolve with community expectations. Other factors influencing this evolution in people’s choices and expectations are : ⎯ Flexible working hours ⎯ Higher density urban living ⎯ Consumer preferences and value of quality and professional service with corresponding development of the fitness and leisure industries ⎯ Technological innovation ⎯ Proliferation of Olympic standard facilities as well as specialist learn to swim centres ⎯ Demand for remedial health aquatic services facilities ⎯ Support of amateur and elite level sporting clubs ⎯ Co-location of facilities and overlap of facility functions.

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3.5

Impact on Facilities and Services

3.5.1

Facilities

These and other changes are influencing the nature and mix of provision with and of aquatic facilities, including : ⎯ Providing multiple pools at aquatic facilities, ensuring appropriate water depths, temperatures, accessibility, privacy, and program diversity ⎯ Extended operating hours with attendance and program variation throughout a typical day ⎯ Co-location (as above) of facilities with schools, community centres, neighbourhood houses, libraries, medical facilities, shopping centres, outdoor playing fields, retail hubs and transport nodes ⎯ Funding, programming and management partnerships with educational, not for profit and private providers ⎯ Development of aquatic play spaces and theme parks ⎯ Facilities supporting levels and ranges of activity programs for all levels of activity and competition ⎯ Year - round facilities to meet each of social, training, education and health objectives ⎯ Facility diversity customised to their catchments ⎯ Ecologically sensitive and efficient design for environmental sustainability, particularly considering aquatics large flat footprint, high water and energy uses ⎯ Disability (Universal) access and space health professionals ⎯ Facility integration and precinct planning, performance monitoring and life-cycle management ensuring optimum outcomes are achieved ⎯ Need to adapt and change with flexibility for future growth.

3.5.2

Services

Corresponding changes in the programs and services aquatic facilities provide include : ⎯ A wider range of activities that people and families can choose from ⎯ Fitness and training programs, non-competitive active pursuits as “stepping stones” to wellbeing and return to work programs ⎯ Activities to support social engagement for mothers, disabled, aged, cultural groups, women, and at-risk youth ⎯ A greater focus on healthy living and well-being programs through health services ⎯ Facility personnel skills, personal coaches and support programs for those with injuries, disability, and for special needs groups ⎯ Development of links with educators and in-house education programs (eg., health and fitness, aquatics, leadership, outdoor education, hospitality and management) ⎯ The use of aquatic facilities for festivals, events and seasonal carnivals, especially over summer ⎯ Provision and variety of activities across a wider period of the day and week, typically with week day evening sports programs in response to changed work structures and weekend involvement in non-sporting pursuits and spectating ⎯ Before and after school programs ⎯ Program specialisation at individual or groups of facilities providing for a range of activities and competition ⎯ Provision of cafes and retail spaces, club and party rooms, club storage and multi-user, flexible community and display areas ⎯ Specialised and personalised coaching and training ⎯ Health support: visiting doctors and other specialists ⎯ Information dissemination, internet access, and social media ⎯ Integrated and centralised management and scheduling ⎯ Quality assurance monitoring.

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

4.

Existing Aquatic Facilities and Services 4.1.

Developing Current Capacity 4.1.1.

4.1.2.

4.1.3.

4.1.4.

Existing Aquatic Facilities : Pools Provision Existing Aquatic Facilities : Locations and Services Summary Ownership of Facilities Current Planning and Development for New Facilities

4.2. 2013 Locations and Catchment Area Maps 4.2.1. Existing Aquatic Facilities / Districts 4.2.2. Existing Facilities - 10km radiuses and Transport Corridors 4.2.3. Existing Facilities - 5km radiuses and Transport Corridors

4.3. District and Central Canberra Community Provision 4.3.1.

4.3.2.

4.3.3.

4.3.4.

Specialist Facilities District Aquatic Facilities A Future City Aquatic Facility Existing Aquatic Facilities in the ACT

Canberra Olympic Pool

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4.1

Existing Aquatic Facilities and Services

Since the opening of Manuka Pool in 1931, Canberra has developed a proud tradition and culture associated with aquatic facilities. The basis of planning forward is appreciating what we have with the current mix of facilities, their catchment, quality of services together with the culture they contribute to. Understanding the types and scale of our existing facilities and the diversity of the services they offer informs us as to how needs are being met and where there may be gaps in provision. Tracking the changes of existing centres over time against current and projected future needs allows us to make the most of what we have with what is required for future needs.

As previously mentioned, this Planning Framework’s focus is on ACT Government facilities, which are principally larger, district level centres. Private facilities are referenced in this summary for the essential contributions they make to markets, complementing ACT Government provision. The increase in private investment in the sector is testament to the sector’s vitality and market needs in the ACT. The following Table 4.1.1 is a summary of existing facilities capacity within the districts they serve, correlating with ACT’s planning structure and Territory Plan. ⎯ Gungahlin ⎯ Belconnen ⎯ Canberra City ⎯ Inner South ⎯ Molonglo / Weston Creek/ Woden Valley* ⎯ Tuggeranong. [* Molonglo / Weston Creek / Woden Valley are combined due to their proximity, area, and comparative population size.]

4.1.1

Existing Aquatic Facilities : Pools Provision

Belconnen Belconnen North Canberra North Canberra

Facility Aquatots @ Forde Aquatic Centre / Aquatots Gold Creek Country Club / Aquatots Gungahlin Leisure Centre [FUTURE-2014] Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Canberra Sports and Aquatic Centre (CISAC) Big Splash Waterpark Kings Swim - MacGregor Canberra Olympic Pool Dickson Pool

North Canberra

Black Mountain School / Aquatots

1

Kings Swim - Majura Park Manuka Pool Canberra Grammar School Kings Swim - Deakin Canberra Girls Grammar

2

Gungahlin Gungahlin Gungahlin Belconnen Belconnen

North Canberra South Canberra South Canberra South Canberra South Canberra Molonglo/ WestonCk/Woden Valley Molonglo/ WestonCk/Woden Valley Molonglo/ WestonCk/Woden Valley Tuggeranong Tuggeranong Tuggeranong Tuggeranong Tuggeranong

wplay <20m 20m i25m o25m i50m o50m indoor outdoor LTSwim Xlti Purpose future 1

1 1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

1 1

1 1 1

1

1

1

1

1

1 1

1 1 1 1

1 1

1 1

1 1 1 1

1

1

1 1 1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1 2 1

Malkara School

1

1 1

Aqua Harmony Swim School

1 1

1 1 1

1

1

Philip Swimming Pool and Ice Skating Centre

Active Leisure Centre : Erindale College Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre Aqua Calwell King Swim Calwell Young’s Swim School

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

(i) 25m - indoor 25m pool / o25m - outdoor 25m pool / Wplay - Waterplay / LTSwim - Learn to Swim / Xlti Purpose - Multiple Purpose ] Table 4.1.1 Existing Aquatic Facilities : Pools Provision.

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

4.1.2 District

Existing Aquatic Facilities : Locations and Services Summary Facility Name

Location

Facility Type

Facility Provision

Programs and Services

Website

Comments

Gungahlin 1

Aquatots @ Forde Aquatic Centre / Aquatots

Francis Forde Boulevard, Forde, ACT

Learn To Swim

Indoor heated 20 Learn to Swim Programs; Pre www.aquatots. Privately owned, predominantly for learn to Swim. metre and 12.5 metre and post natal swim programs; com.au/ Limited wider community opportunities. pools Infant aquatics development program (6 weeks and older)

Gungahlin 2

Gold Creek Country Club / Aquatots

Gold Creek Learn To Country Club, Swim 50 Curran Drive, Nicholls, ACT

Indoor heated pool, 4 Learn to Swim Programs; www.aquatots. Privately owned and leased, indoor heated lanes, 20m pool limited lap swimming; Infant com.au/ teaching pool predominantly operated as a swim aquatics development program school catering for pre-school and lower primary (3 months and older) school ages.

Gungahlin 3

Gungahlin Leisure Centre [FUTURE-2014]

The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin, ACT

MultiPurpose

Indoor heated 50m, 25m polls with large indoor water play splash decks, dry fitness , Gym facilities

full array of aquatic programs including learn to Swim, schools competitions, lap swimming, dry fitness programs, gym, occasional child care, cafe

Belconnen 1

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)

Leverrier St, Bruce, ACT

Elite Sport / Limited MultiPurpose

Indoor heated 8 lane 50 metre and 25 metre pools

Elite Training (priority); Squad www.ausport.g Managed by AIS for elite athlete swimming Swimming, Junior Swim School, ov.au/ais/visit/ training. Schools, community use, and learn to Aqua Aerobics swimfit/ swim program provided when not used for AIS training. swimschool/ publicswimmin g

Belconnen 2

Canberra Sports and Aquatic Centre (CISAC)

Eastern Valley Way, Belconnen, ACT

MultiPurpose

Indoor heated 10 lane 50m and 25m Pools

Squad Swimming, Junior Swim School, Adult Swimming Lessons (Stroke Correction), Aqua Aerobics , Four classes per week, Gym, program dry fitness facilities .

Belconnen 3

Big Splash Waterpark

1 Catchpole Street, Macquarie ACT

Waterplay (Seasonal) / Limited MultiPurpose

Outdoor Waterpark 50m pool (5 Heated Pools)

November till March, Waterplay, www.bigsplash Privately owned centre is the only outdoor waterpark.com waterpark aquatic play facility in the ACT. The leisure swim, social events, centre has a range of water slides and play restaurant. .au features. Open in the summer months only.

Belconnen 4

Kings Swim MacGregor

Chalmers Place, Macgregor, ACT

MultiPurpose

Indoor heated pool, 4 Learn to swim, aqua fitness lane, 20m pool

www.kingswim Operates predominantly as a swim school for pre.com.au/ school to lower primary school ages.

North Canberra 1

Canberra Olympic Pool

Allara Street, Civic, ACT

MultiPurpose

Indoor heated 8 lane, 50m pool. Outdoor diving and children’s pools.

www.canberra olympicpool.co m.au/

North Canberra 2

Dickson Pool

152 Cowper St, Limited MultiDickson, ACT Purpose(Seasonal use)

North Canberra 3

Black Mountain Black School / Mountain Aquatots School, Cockle Street, O’Connor< ACT

North Canberra 4

Kings Swim Majura Park

South Canberra 1

Swim School, Aqua Aerobics, Gym and Health Club. services significant number of sporting clubs

to be IN DEVELOPMENT - planned to open 2014 established with managers when appointed.

www.cisac.com Privately owned and operated large multi.au/ purpose health club and leisure centre offering a broad range of aquatic and dry based fitness and leisure programs for commercial market services and needs. The health club provision is run under the Club Lime and Club Pink (women’s only) brand.

Ageing infrastructure on significant site. Long term options study complete, future planning under consideration.

3 Heated outdoor Swim school, kid’s water play pools, 7 lane 50m pool, Shaded learners pool, Shallow toddlers pool, Kids' water play park

www.dicksona Summer only traditional open air pool. Beautiful quaticcentre.co park setting. Predominantly used for lap m.au/ swimming and school hire, learn to swim program. Lawn areas make it popular to families on warm days for recreational use with recent addition of water play features and associated remedial massage.

Learn To Swim

Indoor heated 12m Pool

Learn to swim with pre and post natal, babies, pre school, school aged programs

www.aquatots. Part of the Black Mountain Special Needs School. com.au/ Indoor heated teaching pool that provides learn to swim for babies and pre-schoolers and children.

29 Catalina Drive, Majura Park, ACT

MultiPurpose

4 lane 25 metre lap swimming pool as well as two dedicated learn to swim pools.

Learn to swim, members' swim, www.kingswim aqua fitness, hydrotherapy .com.au/

Manuka Pool

New South Wales Crescent, Griffith, ACT

Limited MultiPurpose(Seasonal use)

Outdoor 30m Pool, Toddlers Pool

Swim School

South Canberra 2

Kings Swim Deakin

Unit 17E, 2 King Street, Deakin, ACT

MultiPurpose

2x Heated Indoor 25m pools.

Learn to swim, members' swim, www.kingswim aqua fitness, hydrotherapy .com.au/

South Canberra 3

Canberra Grammar School

Monaro Street, Fitness Club Red Hill, ACT Use

Indoor heated 25m Pool

Triathlon Swim Squad, Freestyle Development Swim Squads, Adult Learn to Swim, Personal Coaching.

South Canberra 4

Canberra Girls Grammar

Melbourne Avenue, Deakin, ACT

Heated indoor 25m) pool

Philip Irving St, Molonglo/ Swimming Pool PHILLIP, ACT Weston Creek/ and Ice Skating Woden Valley Centre 1.

Aqua Harmony Cotter Road, Molonglo/ CURTIN Weston Creek/ Swim School Woden Valley 2

www.manukap Summer season pool only. No LTS or regular ool.com.au/ programming, social hub for recreational use.

Heritage listed.

Canberra Girls' Grammar School (CGGS) is an independent, Anglican, day and boarding school catering for approximately 1450 students, with coeducation from Early Learning (preschool) to Year 2, and girls only .

Limited Outdoor 50 metre, 20 Lap Swimming and recreational www.swimskat Ice skating rink is operated all year round with the Multimetre learner pools play. year round ice-skating swimming pools operating in the summer months e.com.au/ Purposeand toddler’s pool, only. The swimming pools are predominantly used Swimming.asp Summer use ice skating rink for lap swimming x MultiPurpose

Learn To Swim

Used for some club activities as www.cggs.act. well as school use. edu.au

Part of a horse riding / training complex with Indoor heated teaching pool predominately operated as a swim school catering to children aged 4 months to 8 years.

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

Molonglo/ Weston/ Woden Valley 3

Malkara School Wisdom St, Garran, ACT

MultiPurpose

Indoor 25m Pool under construction

Hydrotherapy and LTS for disabled, but to have some community access.

www.malkara. act.edu.au/

When not required for school programs, the pool will have some public access for programs including hydrotherapy when completed early 2013.

Tuggeranong 1 Active Leisure Centre : Erindale College

McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa, ACT

MultiPurpose

Indoor heated 25m Pool

Swim school, squad swimming, www.activelc.c aqua Aerobics, health and om.au/ fitness area, theatre, outdoor aquatics1.php tennis courts, squash courts and one indoor stadium.

Tuggeranong 2 Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre

Anketell St, Greenway, ACT

MultiPurpose

Indoor heated 8 lane 50m and 25m Pool, toddlers pool

Centre includes a mix of www.lakesidel Managed under contract from the ACT aquatic and dry facilities that eisure.com.au/ government. cater to the general public and aquatics schools. Swim School (Infants to Adults), lane hire, health and fitness club.

Tuggeranong 3 Aqua Calwell

61 Girdlestone Learn To Circuit, Calwell, Swim ACT

Private Residence; Indoor pool

Aqua physiotherapy, child swimming lessons

Tuggeranong 4 King Swim Calwell

To be built Multiadjacent to the Purpose Calwell Shopping Centre.

Tuggeranong 5 Youngâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Swim School

4/6 Jenke Circuit, Kambah, ACT

Learn To Swim

Indoor heated 15m Pool

Owned by ETD and leased by the Erindale College Parent and Child Association. Operates as a public facility ,Swimming pool and gymnasium areas have recently been upgraded.

Not available for wider community use.

flagged for future construction

www.kingswim To be constructed .com.au/

Swim school, infant aquatics

www.youngss Leased component of wider provision including wimschool.com childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play / party business, indoor sports .au/ including indoor cricket, soccer and netball complex.

Table 4.1.2 Existing Aquatic Facilities : Locations and Services.

4.1.3

Ownership of Facilities

ACT Government Aquatic Centre Assets: Sports and Recreation Services (SRS) administer the following ACT Government aquatic facility assets.

1. Canberra Olympic Pool (North Canberra) 2. Dickson Pool (North Canberra) 3. Manuka Pool (South Canberra) 4. Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre (Tuggeranong) 5. Gungahlin Leisure Centre [In Development - to open 2014] (Gungahlin).

Other Government aquatic facility assets administered by ETD: 6. Active Leisure Centre : Erindale College (Tuggeranong) 7. Malkara School (Molonglo/Weston Creek/Woden Valley 8. Black Mountain School (North Canberra) The Australian Institute of Sport in Bruce is Federal Government funded. It should also be noted that the ACT Government also undertook a partnership for the development of Canberra International Sports and Aquatic Centre (CISAC). However the Government does not have ownership, or management responsibility for the facility.

ACT Existing Aquatic Facilities Ownership: Government Funded / Facilitated

Privately Owned Aquatots @ Forde Aquatic Centre / Aquatots Gold Creek Country Club / Aquatots

Gungahlin Gungahlin Gungahlin Belconnen

Gungahlin Leisure Centre [FUTURE-2014] Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)

Prv2

ACT-SRS 1 Fed 1 Canberra Sports and Aquatic Centre (CISAC) Big Splash Waterpark Kings Swim - MacGregor

Belconnen Belconnen Belconnen North Canberra North Canberra North Canberra North Canberra South Canberra South Canberra South Canberra

Prv1

Canberra Olympic Pool Dickson Pool Black Mountain School / Aquatots

ACT-SRS 2 ACT-SRS 3 ACT-ETD 1

Manuka Pool

ACT-SRS 4

Prv3 Prv4 Prv5

Kingswim - Majura Park

Prv6

Canberra Grammar School Kings Swim - Deakin

Prv7 Prv8 Page 23 of 42

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033 South Canberra Canberra Girls Grammar Molonglo/ Philip Swimming Pool and Ice Skating WestonCk/ Woden Centre Valley Molonglo/ Aqua Harmony Swim School WestonCk/ Woden Valley Molonglo/ ACT-ETD 2 WestonCk/ Woden Malkara School Valley Active Leisure Centre : Erindale Tuggeranong ACT-ETD 3 College Tuggeranong Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre ACT-SRS 5 Tuggeranong Aqua Calwell Tuggeranong King Swim Calwell [Future] Tuggeranong Young’s Swim School

Prv9 Prv10

Prv11

Prv12 Prv13 Prv14

Table 4.1.3 Existing Facilities Ownership

4.1.4

Current Planning and Development for New Facilities ⎯ A new district facility is in development at Gungahlin (as per the following section) ⎯ Kingswim are planning a new facility at Calwell, within Tuggeranong ⎯ Establish an outdoor family water play area at the Lakeside Leisure Centre ⎯ Long term options for the Canberra Olympic Pool include development of a City Aquatic Facility as the high priority of need following Gungahlin to achieve the greatest benefit of access to services (as per the following section) ⎯ Next Generation Clubs Australia are planning to redevelop the National Sports Club in Lyneham. Early planning suggests that two swimming pools (one indoor, one outdoor) will be provided as part of this redevelopment. ⎯ Feasibility and preliminary planning activities for the provision of a new aquatic centre in Weston Creek/Molonglo has been completed with land now reserved for the future Stromlo Leisure Centre to be located adjacent to Stromlo Forest Park.

4.2

2013 Locations and Proximities

The following maps show the ACT’s Aquatic Facility locations (Map 4.2.1) and their respective proximity relationships and immediate catchment reach demonstrated by surrounding areas (5 km radiuses - Map 4.2.2 and 4.2.3).

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

4.2.1

Existing Aquatic Facilities and Districts

Map 4.2.1 ACT Aquatic Facilities and Districts

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

4.2.2

Existing District Facilities - 5km Catchments and Transport Corridors

Map 4.2.2 ACT Aquatic Facilities and Districts with immediate 5km Catchments Page 26 of 42

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

4.2.3

Existing Facilities - 10km District Facility Catchments and Transport Corridors

Map 4.2.3 ACT District Level Aquatic Facility 10km Catchments Page 27 of 42

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

4.3

Types, Diversity and Scale of Facilities

The following Table 4.3 represents the scale of facilities typically offered in the ACT. There are currently two scales of provision of aquatic facilities in the ACT with opportunity for a third, Central Canberra Centre to cater for the growing population needs in the future.

Scale of ACT Aquatic Facility Provision : Aquatic Provision Type Specialist Facilities District Aquatic Facilities City Aquatic Facility

Population Served

Facility Site Area

ACT Examples

Varies according to market Kingswim Facilities; Active Leisure Determined by market Centre : Erindale College specialist needs Lakeside Leisure Centre, [Future 1 : >30,000 2-3ha Gungahlin Leisure Centre] None at present [Future planning 1: 100-400,000 4-6ha underway for Canberra Olympic see section 6]

Table 4.3 Scale of Provision.

4.3.1

Specialist Facilities

Specialist facilities are generally smaller scaled, often privately owned facilities that cater for particular markets. These markets may include health and remedial therapy and the rapidly growing provision of spa facilities. The ACT Government through the Education and Training Directorate (ETD) also own Active Leisure Centre, Malkara School (hydrotherapy pool) and Black Mountain School. These facilities are open to the public through memberships but due to the nature of their clientele and businesses may have limited community program opportunities. Private providers target particular client groups, most notably learn to swim as well as some specialist and general health and fitness markets. Private aquatic facilities are often associated with education, fitness and private recreation facilities as found in independent schools, large hotels and fitness centres. However the market is expanding with some recent private developments accommodating greater scale 25m and multiple 25m pools. Private facilities include dedicated businesses such as Aquatots and Kingswim which may have multi-purpose programs that provide some community uses. As private investment develops to larger scale the breadth of the services they offer for the markets they cater may broaden to include greater community programs.

4.3.2

District Aquatic Facilities

District Aquatic Facilities are larger, public facilities, located close to major town centres, which due to their scale are expensive to operate and generally require a subsidy from Government. These facilities provide the widest public access with multi-purpose and community based programs. As per the facility summary tables they generally provide 50m and / or 25m 8-10 lane pools, usually to Olympic standard as well as program (learn to swim) pools. Water play facilities for young children, water slides, and wave pools are increasingly features of these facilities. The nature of the specific programs and target markets serviced through a district facility are dependent on the characteristics of the catchment population, the nature of any other providers and their programs, and development or co-location partners. A district facility would typically have capacity to provide all year learn to swim, water play, health and fitness, lap swimming activities and is capable of supporting aquatic and non-aquatic health and fitness, social and community activity needs with spaces supporting flexibility of use. These facilities are increasingly co-located with dry fitness, other sport and recreation, community, education, health and retail facilities and services the mix of which are customised to the location and needs of each community and upon which the business plan of each centre depends. It is

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ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033

also important that each district facility provides unique opportunities and attractors which differentiate its design, program mix that directly responds to each centre’s site and place-making character.

District facilities could include: ⎯ A 25 metre and / or 50m indoor or outdoor heated pool of 6 or 8 lanes ⎯ Warm water program pool ⎯ Water play area ⎯ Fitness gym ⎯ Multi-Purpose program rooms ⎯ Health and Medical Consulting suites ⎯ Community and Training meeting room(s) ⎯ Outdoor summer social and water play settings ⎯ Meeting rooms for local clubs and groups, ⎯ Cafe and social area, ⎯ Occasional child care, or Early Years facilities ⎯ Co-located functions, partner facilities, programs and services as identified.

Due to their scale and breadth of facility offered it is necessary that these facilities are closely linked with other community facilities, shopping centres, primary and secondary schools, sports fields, with well connected local transport nodes, bike path / walking trail and open space networks.

4.3.3

City Aquatic Facility

A City facility is a subject of the following “Provision for Future Needs” section for Central Canberra.

4.3.4

Existing Aquatic Facilities in the ACT

As previously mentioned, the ACT is rigorously planned providing significant resources and benefits for social infrastructure including aquatic facilities. Canberra is already well provided for in the range, number and spread of facilities across its districts.

The ACT’s specialist and district level aquatic facilities operate as a network which are appreciated in relation to each facility’s contribution and services mix offer, their site and facility attributes, the distances between facilities and their connection to the town centres for the catchments they serve. The need to respond to future needs to make up for the quality difference between old infrastructure and current and future expectations is the subject of the following section.

The Mantes-La-Jolie Water Sports Centre in Paris, France, Agencie Search

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5.

Providing for Future Needs 5.1.

Developing Current Capacity 5.1.1. Providing for Diversity and Quality of Aquatic Services 5.1.2. Access to Facilities 5.1.3. Proximity to Major Town Centres, Community and Transport Hubs

5.2. Future Directions for Meeting Provision Needs 5.3. District and Central Canberra Community Provision 5.3.1.

5.3.2.

5.3.3.

5.3.4.

5.3.5.

5.3.6.

5.3.7.

5.3.8.

Keeping The Aquatic Planning Framework Current and Assessment of Quality Gungahlin Leisure Centre (Under Development) North Canberra and Central Canberra Molonglo, Weston Creek and Woden Valley Weston Creek / Molonglo (Stromlo Leisure Centre) South Canberra Belconnen Tuggeranong

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5.1

Developing Current Capacity

5.1.1 Providing for Diversity and Quality of Aquatic Services The objective of this Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework is to assist our understanding of how we plan and adapt the facilities to meet future capacity for quality services. Fundamentally the purpose of Government facilities to is provide broad public access to the greatest range of aquatic services for community use. To achieve this, Government provision is predominantly larger scale, district level community facilities, which, due to their cost, greater scale, planning provision and services offered, are generally not developed by the private market. The previous section summary of existing facilities and services demonstrates that the range of existing public and private facilities are at various stages of their service life in terms of infrastructure which supports their delivery of services. Considering the population demand assessment summary with the locations and number of existing facilities, there is an apparent need to : 1. Maintain and develop facilities to cater for growing populations to provide quality aquatic services in close reference to the existing aquatic facility network of public and private facilities 2. Consider opportunities of provision at both a district and network level, leveraging the asset attributes and benefits of site locations 3. Promote and develop a range and diversity of services customised to meet the needs of each location 4. Recognise the role of private provision to serve growing markets in balance with public provision.

Taking into account the maintenance and upgrade of facilities in relation to the greater network, allows for efficient provision and is essential to avoid unnecessary duplication and competition. Such an approach enables a diverse mix of services in response to each district and community’s needs where they are most required.

5.1.2 Access to Facilities The catchment circumference maps in the previous section demonstrate most district level aquatic facilities lie within a 10km radius of residences. An even closer capture is also shown with the range of specialist facilities within 5km perimeters, no matter where people live in the ACT. Although each major City has unique planning variables, this represents a high ratio of facility proximity, for access per head of population when compared at a national level. Canberra also has the advantage of being one of the easiest Cities in Australia to get around. Travel timeframes are typically significantly lower than other major urban centres with good road access providing low travel times. Public transport is improving, considering the density and spread of population with new plans being adopted. Cycle pathways are also being extended with Canberra’s road system.

5.1.3 Proximity to Major Town Centres, Community and Transport Hubs A principle of locating district level facilities with, or close to major Town Centres to achieve maximum access, and travel efficiencies, has been a guide for the planning of district facilities. This principle was established for the development of Lakeside Leisure Centre and Gungahlin Leisure Centre (under development). The critical nature of reserving community land use for aquatic and recreation facilities, together with planned links to transport and other social infrastructure such as schools and health facilities, cannot be overstated. Due to the scale and infrastructure requirements of facilities, preserving “flat” land (to avoid expensive excavation) to achieve this needs to occur as early as possible in the planning process.

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5.2

Future Directions for Meeting Provision Needs

Table 5.2 is a summary of how ACT Government aquatic services are planned to be developed in the ACT.

Topic / Site

Area

Direction Description

Management Contracts for ACT Government aquatic facilities

Planning

Ongoing review of Management Contracts for assets managed

by Sport and Recreation Services to ensure compliance (including reference to CERM* performance indicators) and to maintain quality of services.

Quality Measurement Standards

Planning

Undertake an annual review of ACT Government aquatic facilities to measure key items (e.g. user satisfaction, environmental quality - including energy and water use, safety standards and water quality) in accordance with Management Contracts managed by Sport and Recreation Services.

ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework

Planning

Review Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework every 5 years.

Gungahlin Leisure Centre

Gungahlin

Gungahlin Leisure Centre

Gungahlin

City Aquatic Facility- Plan of Development

North Canberra

Complete planning activities for a central Canberra City Aquatic Facility recognising the City planning projects coordinated by the EDD.

Design and Construction of a City Aquatic Facility

North Canberra

Finalise design and commence construction for a central Canberra City Aquatic Facility recognising the outcomes of the City planning projects coordinated by the EDD.

Dickson Aquatic Centre Future Planning Activities

North Canberra

Considering the age of the asset, commence future planning activities for Dickson Aquatic Centre.

Black Mountain School

North Canberra

Education and Training Directorate facility. Review options for refurbishment / upgrade.

Manuka Swimming Pool

South Canberra

The future of Manuka Swimming Pool is currently being considered as part of the Manuka Oval Precinct Planning Study.

The Precinct Planning Study will assist in identifying any future refurbishment or redevelopment options.

Commence construction of Gungahlin Leisure Centre and engage Centre manager.

Opening of Gungahlin Leisure Centre. Monitor the Centre’s take up and services quality.

Malkara School

Molonglo/Weston Education and Training Directorate facility. Complete Creek redevelopment of hydrotherapy pool at Malkara School

Weston Creek / Molonglo District Aquatic Facility (Stromlo Leisure Centre)

Molonglo/Weston Complete Weston Creek / Molonglo District Aquatic Facility Creek Feasibility Study.

Weston Creek / Molonglo District Aquatic Facility (Stromlo Leisure Centre)

Molonglo/Weston Complete final design and commence construction.

Creek

Weston Creek / Molonglo District Aquatic Facility (Stromlo Leisure Centre)

Molonglo/Weston Complete construction and engage facility manager.

Creek

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Tuggeranong

Investigate options to provide a seasonal "splash park" facility and other improvements.

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Tuggeranong

Assess need for upgrade of facilities at Lakeside.

Active Leisure Centre

Tuggeranong

Education and Training Directorate facility. Review options for refurbishment/upgrade.

Next 1-2 Years

Short Term : 3-5years

Mid Term : 5-10years

Long Term : 10-20years

2013-2014

2015-2018

2018-2022

2023-2033

Ongoing

Annual Review

Annual Review

Annual Review

Annual Review

5 Year Review (2017)

5 Year Review (2022, 2027)

2014

Table 5.2 ACT Aquatic Facilities Framework Future Directions ⎯ Community consultation for individual projects with key stakeholders will occur during future planning activities (e.g. Feasibility Study, Detailed Design, etc). ⎯ The ACT Government Aquatic Facilities Planning Framework 2013-2033 is designed to guide future planning activities. It must be recognised that any commitment to progress an identified project will be subject to government approval, including future budget priorities and considerations. * CERM = Centre for Environmental and Recreation Management .

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5.3

District and Central Canberra Community Provision

5.3.1

Keeping Aquatic Planning Framework Current and Assessment of Quality

The future provision table outlines key planning activities that need to be considered in the next 20 years. Although review of the planning provision continues to be work in progress, ongoing evaluation of this plan will ensure it remains relevant.

Monitoring the performance and condition of existing government facilities, including the provision and quality of services provided to the community will also be critical.

Future Direction and Goals ⎯ Short - Term Priorities : Ongoing review of facility services provision and maintenance with reference to CERM performance indicators. CERM PI provides Customer Service Quality Reviews and operational management surveys as the basis for the “development of robust benchmarks for sports and leisure facilities. These benchmarks foster a self-assessment framework and have contributed to a continuous improvement culture within many organisations.”

CERM Performance Indicators® Project. http://www.unisa.edu.au/Research/TourismLeisure/CERMPI

⎯ Mid - Term Priorities : Major 5 Year Review and Update (communication format may be available through social media). ⎯ Long Term : 10-20years : Change as required .

5.3.2

Gungahlin Leisure Centre (Under Development)

Gungahlin is predicted to continue its rapid growth path and is about to receive a new district level facility, currently in development to open in 2014. The brief for the project was determined by feasibility with significant community consultation influencing the project’s brief. Extensive consultation, complementing that conducted during the Feasibility Study also occurred during the design phases of the project for the approved design. Consultation occurred across intergovernment agencies and authorities, as well as with key external stakeholders including primary user groups and community representatives.

The Gungahlin Leisure Centre (GLC) site is within walking distance of the Gungahlin Town Centre, supporting the Township’s aims to increasingly be a true ‘city centre’ with retail areas forming part of active streets rather than a single major shopping centre. Together with the Gungahlin College and the surrounding Sport and Recreation Precinct, this development will provide opportunity for a highly integrated western edge of the town centre with aquatic, recreation, and leisure facilities. The project offers extended public spaces and pathways, connecting the GLC and future neighbouring Gungahlin Enclosed Oval (also in development) to significantly contribute to the diverse activities and vitality of the township.

When complete, the development will incorporate new aquatic and dry fitness recreation facilities, with associated café, retail, change facilities, and administrative accommodation for facility operators.

Project Components ⎯ Entry Foyer, Reception, Administration offices, Kiosk and Cafe ⎯ Aquatic Facilities ⎯ 51.5m (50m) 8 lane olympic swimming and water-polo pool ⎯ 25m program, learn to swim and leisure pool ⎯ First aid room / pool operations office ⎯ Change rooms including family change. ⎯ Dry fitness gymnasium facilities and program rooms ⎯ Childcare facilities ⎯ Site transport and parking infrastructure ⎯ Landscaping of surrounding open space connections.

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Future Direction and Goals ⎯ Successful development with management contract for Gungahlin Leisure Centre to open 2014 ⎯ Monitor the Centre’s performance and service mix.

5.3.3

North Canberra and Central Canberra : City Aquatic Facility Development

Opened in 1956 in lead up to Melbourne’s Olympics, the Canberra Olympic Pool opened, becoming a prominent site for aquatic sport and recreation in the ACT. In recent times the Canberra Olympic Pool has not been able to keep pace with the demands expected of a facility of its scale. The facility has undergone temporary upgrades in terms of its covered roof structure however, its pools and buildings have now almost reached the end of their service life.

Canberra Olympic Pool Long Term Options Study The recent Canberra Olympic Pool Long Term Options Study together with research for this planning framework has confirmed demand for a City Aquatic Facility to be provided as a high priority to meet the greater needs of the ACT. It has been determined that the benefits of the City’s central location with its linkages and transport access can serve the largest distribution and number of residents across the whole of the ACT and daily visitors to the City. Some aquatic sports needs are not adequately provided for, or required elsewhere in the ACT, such as diving and water polo. These can be provided for in the future facility together with supporting health and community facilities to assist the viability of the larger format centre.

Findings for Potential Future Provision Mix Consultation and research identified the following priorities for consideration in the provision for a redeveloped facility : ⎯ A multi-purpose leisure facility and wellness centre to meet the wider community’s aquatic and health needs. ⎯ Provision for swim school and health and fitness services ⎯ 25 metre and 50 metre pool with a boom, spectator seating, electronic timing, team marshaling and judging areas ⎯ Water-polo facilities ⎯ Indoor diving pool facilities ⎯ Expanded learn to swim, toddler’s and baby pool pool facilities with seating for parents ⎯ Water play features ⎯ Hydrotherapy / Spa and health pools ⎯ Creche, child care and gym program facilities ⎯ A substantial dry fitness gym area, multi-use indoor dry fitness training areas / rooms / weights areas spin classes ⎯ Public cafe and dining facilities ⎯ Service facilities including sports club rooms, storage, training/teaching areas ⎯ Outdoor sports facilities, informal outdoor areas and provision of picnic areas and landscaped support areas ⎯ Provision of a diversity of summer use and outdoor sports attractions ⎯ Adequate car parking, secure bike parking and storage ⎯ Retail areas, including sports gear and swim shop ⎯ Sporting club access ⎯ Senior’s services and programs ⎯ Meeting and program rooms ⎯ Programming for schools and disabled.

Future Direction and Goals ⎯ Short - Term Priorities : Finalise planning for City Aquatic Facility in conjunction with city planning projects being coordinated by EDD ⎯ Mid - Term Priorities : Construction of City Aquatic Facility ⎯ Long - Term : Monitor, adapt and expand services as required for changes in community use.

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5.3.4

Molonglo, Weston Creek and Woden Valley

Weston Creek and Woden Valley are considered together for their combined populations which are projected to remain static at around 58,000. Their populations are projected to fall back slightly by 2021 to 55,500. Other reasons for considering their planning needs together is their equivalent areas and proximity to each other as well as to South and Central Canberra and the emerging Molonglo District. Molonglo is a new district with a small current population, but is predicted to grow rapidly. Until this growth occurs for its development to progress west and north of the Molonglo River (Stage 3 of the district’s development), it may be considered together with Weston-Creek and Woden Valley for the same reasons. The Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre is a privately owned and operated seasonal aquatic facility located in the Woden Town Centre. Any future redevelopment of this facility will be subject to leasing provisions and must comply with the specific requirements of the Territory Plan. Residents of Molonglo, Weston Creek and Woden Valley will directly benefit from the construction of the future Weston Creek/Molonglo facility (Stromlo Leisure Centre) and the City Aquatic Facility in central Canberra.

5.3.5

Weston Creek / Molonglo (Stromlo Leisure Centre)

As the ACT’s newest district, and growth area, the Molonglo Valley is planned to consist of 13 suburbs containing 33,000 dwellings with an expected future population of 20,600 residents by 2021 growing to 55,000 over the next 30 years for East Molonglo.1 Detailed planning and development for Molonglo is advanced for stage one, including the new suburbs of Wright, Coombs and North Weston and stage two planned in East Molonglo.

To accommodate the current and future population needs of Weston Creek / Molonglo as well as the surrounding areas a future aquatic centre is proposed, subject to the completion of relevant studies. The following considerations are important for the planning of future provision: ⎯ The Weston Creek / Molonglo facility will be just over 5km from the Canberra CBD. The future facility’s mix of provision will therefore need to be in balance with what will be offered at a future City Aquatic Facility in central Canberra to provide diversity and synergy of function as well as to prevent the facilities from directly competing against each other. ⎯ There is an immediate need to preserve sufficient flat land for the future centre with enough surrounding land for future needs not known at this point. ⎯ A general population trigger of greater than 30,000 is already apparent due to the current population of Weston Creek and emerging population in Molonglo. The timing must also be considered with the development a City Aquatic Facility in central Canberra.

Future Direction and Goals ⎯ Short - Term Priorities: Design for aquatic centre in Weston Creek / Molonglo (Stromlo Leisure Centre) needs to occur with consideration of planning and provision mix for the City Aquatic Facility. ⎯ Long - Term: Will be determined by the success and life-cycle management of developments at Weston Creek / Molonglo and the future City Aquatic Facility.

5.3.6

South Canberra

The established suburbs of South Canberra have a range of private provision in their proximity. This includes the recently upgraded and re-opened Kingswim Centre at Deakin, providing two 25m heated indoor pools. This facility is also well located to serve the private swimming needs of Woden Valley and Weston Creek. Another 25m indoor heated pool has recently been opened at Majura, within 5km of most of the South Canberra community.

Manuka Pool is a small but important historical outdoor facility and its future is currently being considered with the Masterplan for the Manuka Oval Precinct in which it is located. There is recognised potential for Manuka Pool to be upgraded and provide club and fitness facilities closely associated with the future development of the Manuka Oval Precinct.

1. [The Molonglo Valley Plan for the Protection of Matters of National (NES) p.9]

Future Direction and Goals ⎯ Short - Term Priorities : Manuka Oval Precinct Masterplan. ⎯ Mid - Term Priorities : Track changes in population’s use of future developed City Aquatic Facility Page 35 of 42

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⎯ Long - Term : Determined by short and long term priorities being met at new and upgraded facilities and track provision changes.

5.3.7

Belconnen

Belconnen is not predicted to significantly increase in population and urban density or growth. The district has two large indoor aquatic facilities at Canberra International Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Australian Institute of Sport which has two 50m indoor pools but restricted public use. Some Belconnen residents will also benefit from the development of a City Aquatic Facility together with new facilities in the neighbouring districts of Gungahlin and Molonglo.

Future Direction and Goals ⎯ Mid - Term Priorities: Track Belconnen residents use of the future development of a City Aquatic Facility, its own and surrounding facilities ⎯ Long - Term: Determined by public consultation and the access, development and maintenance of aquatic facilities.

5.3.8

Tuggeranong

While the populations of the Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Tuggeranong are predicted to be relatively static there remains an opportunity to further develop capacity, quality and the range of services to meet the Community’s expectations. Lakeside Leisure Centre is a well utilised district facility with close proximity to the Major Town Centre of Tuggeranong. Kingswim have indicated plans to provide a facility to the south at Calwell which will diversify and provide greater local access. The Erindale College facility to the north east of Tuggeranong also supports the District’s provision.

Future Direction and Goals ⎯ Short - Term Priorities: Construction of a water play area at Lakeside Leisure Centre and monitor capacity and any need for facility upgrade. ⎯ Mid - Term Priorities: Kingswim’s planned facility may take up some demand but is unlikely to be available for extensive school or Community use. ⎯ Long - Term: Assess need for upgrade of facilities at Lakeside.

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5.3.9

Projected Suburban Growth 2033

Map 5.3.8 projects future residential areas for Gungahlin and Molonglo with 5km district centre immediate catchments (10km for Canberra Olympic Pool).

Map 5.3.8 Growth areas including planned suburban areas to 2033 with District Aquatic Facility 10km Catchments (15km from future Central Canberra Aquatic Facility).

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6.

Principles for Best Practice 6.1.

6.2.

6.3.

6.4.

6.5.

6.6.

Planning and Design Principles for Aquatic Facilities Spatial Needs : Area Requirements Design for Universal Access Ecologically Sensitive and Environmentally Sustainable Design Life Cycle Management Measuring Success

6.7. Conclusion

Les Bains Des Docks, Le Havre, Jean Nouvel

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6.1

Planning and Design Principles for Aquatic Facilities

As part of the community infrastructure provision aquatic facilities need to be planned and designed with consideration of the following : ⎯ Aquatic facilities as highly active social spaces, attracting users, extending the duration of stay and maximising the manner in which they can be utilised by the public. ⎯ Provision of complementary mixes of uses, customised for each location with opportunities that maximise the benefits of co-location. ⎯ Connecting recreational networks: Design each aquatic centre as a contributing part within the broader ACT network. ⎯ Providing passive and active recreation opportunities: This serves to extend the ‘offer’ to different groups and users within the community. ⎯ Build Critical Mass: design for sharing of space and energy, minimising the operational budget ⎯ Clear and unambiguous way finding signage, pathways in a legible hierarchy that connects the surrounding neighbourhood. ⎯ Flexibility and Future Proofing: The profile and nature of expectations for aquatic centres is changing more rapidly requiring space to be developed or adapted to accommodate these changes. ⎯ Showcasing Activities and Uses to the broader community with activities that actively encourage participation will also assist diverse and optimal use of the facilities sustaining patronage ⎯ Accessibility: Clear, adequate connections. ⎯ High quality connections surrounding public realm, pedestrian and cycle pathways. ⎯ Infrastructure connections : Design for the future public domain, open space and streets should occur with reference to interconnection with the facility and allow integration with the surrounding landscape and site boundaries. ⎯ Transport: The Community Infrastructure network will require all modes of transport to be accessible. Public transport frequency and access will be critical for Community Infrastructure’s greater need and high value use. Building site should be easily accessible by public transport routes and cars and within walking distance of some potential users. ⎯ Visibility: A prominent location is required to attract a large number of people to the facilities. ⎯ Security will also be supported by the high activity necessary to compliment crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) to achieve the level of safety public facilities requires. ⎯ Neighbourhood Compatibility: The facilities when fully developed will greatly add to neighbourhood activity.

6.2

Spatial Needs : Area Requirements ⎯ Broad definition of area requirements are to be qualified in each case by feasibility studies for different scale of facilities. ⎯ Site capacity: The site should be large enough to provide a sufficient square or broad rectangular site “footprint” for the planning of integrated buildings. Required parking for users, staff and volunteers should also be determined with needs for future expansion; together with the necessary allowances for setbacks, zoning requirements and suitable integrated landscaping. ⎯ Need to identify and allocate land early in collaboration with users and partners where possible. ⎯ Integrate with surrounding land use and development to achieve best links and connections as well as making the facility attractive for co-location. ⎯ Not in isolation - essential proximity to shopping centres, education and facility network. ⎯ Requirements subject to site specific feasibility. ⎯ Efficient use of land. ⎯ Allow for future flexibility and adaptations of use.

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6.3

Design for Universal Access

As public facilities Aquatic Centres need to comply with the highest standards for Universal Design which requires specific design to cater for direct access into pool. This includes design of ramps, use of lifts, standards for grade changes, distances separating spaces, change room facilities, the influence of lighting and acoustics. Universal Design is designing facilities for people of all ages and abilities applied from the following principles : Principle One: Equitable use ⎯ The design does not disadvantage or stigmatise any group of users.

Principle Two: Flexibility in use ⎯ The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Principle Three: Simple and intuitive use ⎯ Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge,language skills or current concentration level.

Principle Four: Perceptible information ⎯ The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

Principle Five: Tolerance for error ⎯ The design minimises hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Principle Six: Low physical effort ⎯ The design can be used efficiently, and comfortably, with a minimum of fatigue.

Principle Seven: Size and space for approach and use ⎯ Provide appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size or mobility.

Resources : Center for Universal Design US - ADA laws and Australian Codes) http://www.ncsu.edu/project/design-projects/udi/

.

6.4

Ecologically Sensitive and Environmentally Sustainable Design

Ecologically Sensitive and Environmentally Sustainable Design is critical for all large community facilities, but particularly aquatic facilities due to their use of resources. Pools in aquatic facilities are massive users of energy and water which, in the ACT are also the most expensive of any major City in Australia. The ACT also has the most progressive policy aspirations of any state for reducing its carbon footprint. The following principles will be customised and unique in each site orientation, environment and project budget. New sustainable technologies are also continuously changing and evolving, influencing the opportunities for take up with sustainable design to be continuously tested and monitored.

Environmentally Sustainable Design Principles for Aquatic Facilities Each facility will have its own profile to ⎯ Consider natural ventilation as the primary ventilation mode for all spaces ⎯ Provide daylight to all habitable space ⎯ Improve user health ⎯ Provide awareness of environmental features ⎯ Reduce potable water consumption by at least 25% ⎯ Reduce energy related CO2 emissions by at least 30%.

Passive Design ⎯ Choosing the site for building orientation for passive design will offer the greatest potential to optimise benefits ⎯ Glazing performance for BCA 2011 Section J ⎯ Compliance or higher (double, reduced extent) ⎯ External shading ⎯ Locate offices and habitable spaces with access to natural ventilation and daylight ⎯ Landscape orientation and choice of species.

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Reduced and Efficient Use of Energy and as low as possible CO2 Emissions ⎯ Lighting power density efficiency ⎯ Lighting control system ⎯ Solar hot water for showers ⎯ Solar preheat of pool water ⎯ High performance pool plant ⎯ Low energy heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) delivery and plant ⎯ Onsite energy generation, including considerations for wind, solar, co-generation : Small scale / Medium scale and tri-generation: Large scale (with opportunities for precinct power efficiencies).

Water ⎯ Efficient fittings and fixtures ⎯ Rainwater harvesting ⎯ Pool back wash water for irrigation (ACT Health consultation required) ⎯ Grey water harvesting – (WC flushing) ⎯ Reduced water during filter backwash.

6.5. Life Cycle Management Life cycle management [LCM] is a logical outcome of triple bottom line reporting and environmentally sustainable design. LCM extends the assessment process from site acquisition to facility de-commissioning or re-commissioning, involving all aspects of the building design and maintenance. LCM can be adopted with consideration of sustainable alternatives to be measured for achieving sustainability targets within all the project phases from ⎯ Strategy / planning: Acquisition of land and Planning Approvals. ⎯ Design: Design of Facilities, site and building services, with documentation of environmental and sustainability standards. ⎯ Building Procurement/Construction: Construction of Integrated Buildings and Infrastructure ⎯ Installation: Pools and services engineering, operations and maintenance resources work with external vendors to install and test the installed components to design standards. ⎯ Commissioning and Handover ⎯ Operation: Facility Performance, operations, budgeting ⎯ Maintenance: Building Performance , maintenance, ⎯ Modification/refurbishment: Retro fits, upgrades, building performance review, refurbishment ⎯ Disposal: The final stage of the lifecycle begins when an facility is no longer satisfying the needs of the business in a cost-effective manner and its infrastructure is at the end of its useful life.

LCM covers all the disciplines and their inter-relationships for an aquatic facility performance setting criteria for : ⎯ Survey / site assessment ⎯ Planning ⎯ Architecture ⎯ Landscape Design ⎯ Mechanical Engineering ⎯ Environmental Sustainable initiatives ⎯ Structure ⎯ Pool Engineering ⎯ Hydraulic, vertical transport engineering ⎯ Electrical, controls for fully-integrated and cost-effective smart lighting ⎯ Civil Engineering ⎯ Transport Infrastructure ⎯ Building Information modelling which can as well as be the source of design development and documentation retain all of the data / metadata of all components specified in the design for the life of the building ⎯ Site development and Construction ⎯ Facility operations, maintenance and management.

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For aquatic facilities an LCM plan particularly engages: ⎯ Building materials and resources. ⎯ Mechanical Plant operation and performance. ⎯ Automatic and manual building management systems [BMS]. ⎯ Diagnostics to help identify waste in electricity, water and gas usage through leaks and inappropriate consumption, and systems to achieve and maintain high levels of performance from your building services. ⎯ Systems which track use of power, water and gas for managing planned reductions for more efficient use, including management of Co-generation and Tri-Generation systems. ⎯ Water efficiency and quality management, incorporating chosen water filtration systems. ⎯ Cost effective upgrades to existing building automation and controls technologies. ⎯ Upgrade solutions that reduce operating costs, with a low ongoing cost, with no proprietary obsolescence. ⎯ Facility management and operation including system implementation and upgrades; assessments and servicing; asset performance data collection and monitoring of facilities management functions.

6.6. Measuring Success “To maximise the retention of existing customers, as well as to attract new ones, it is important to ensure that customer service is monitored and responded to in a timely and appropriate manner. If problems reported to leisure service staff are resolved to the customer's satisfaction then that customer may become a positive advocate for the service. On the other hand, dissatisfied customers can be a powerful negative influence through word of mouth promotion.“ CERM PI website at: unisa.edu.au/cermpi.

As part of the community infrastructure provision aquatic facilities need to be planned and designed with consideration of the now well established Centre for Environmental and Recreational Management Performance Indicators (CERM PI) as adopted and facilitated by the ACT Government, including : ⎯ Customer Service Quality [CSQ] : CSQ indicators are based on attributes of service quality. They measure customers’ expectations compared to their perceptions of the facility or service’s actual performance in a range of areas such as: staff responsiveness, facility cleanliness, and value for money. ⎯ Operational Management [OM] : These indicators cover several aspects of operational management including services, marketing, human resources, utilities, facilities and finance. Used as a management tool these indicators support managers by monitoring their facility or service annually. ⎯ Community Service Obligations [CSO] : Appropriateness indicators utilise Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data from the most recent census with a focus on community service obligations (CSO) and priority participant groups.

The CERM PI project also publishes annual medians for groupings of similar facilities which provides participants with the opportunity to compare their results with well-established industry benchmarks. The performance indicators and related demographic and participant (visitor) data allow for improved operational decision-making, including internal and external benchmarking. The CERM PI annual operational management survey has been the basis for robust benchmarks for Australian aquatic and leisure centres with over 150 aquatic and leisure centres providing data each year. In addition, annual Customer Service Quality (CSQ) benchmarks for Australian aquatic centres are based on data from about 40 centres (over 10,000 customers).

[CERM PI website at: unisa.edu.au/cermpi]

6.7. Conclusion This planning framework has described changes in expectations and demand for aquatic facilities. It has also indicated that demand will continue to grow for aquatic facilities, which will allow for opportunities for greater diversification of function, adaptability for alternative uses, a higher environmental response and standard, quality operations and a greater urban and community integration. The private sector’s willingness to provide substantial aquatic facilities is providing greater choice and balance for capital works provision funding. With this balance, the future of aquatic facilities in the ACT offers much for community health and wellbeing, with substantial social and economic benefits. This planning framework is part of a process of monitoring the status of facilities, opportunities and demand. Ongoing consultation for planning ahead will be vital to keep it updated and relevant.

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