Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre

This much-loved community pool facility is set for a significant upgrade to ensure it continues to meet existing and future demand.

Materials: Materials used for roofing, cladding, glazing, tiling, fittings and fixtures will be durable, chemical resistant, robust and compliant with respective safety standards.

Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency is paramount and includes the installation of double glazing for thermal insulation, high efficiency LED lighting, solar power to energise pool equipment, heat recovery systems and efficient glazing, pool blankets and rainwater re-use for irrigation.

Accessibility: Universal design includes accessible paths across the site, ramps to all pools for wheel chairs and all user groups, equitable reception desk, inclusive water play design features, dedicated accessible change rooms and lift access from car park.

Design: Line of sight visibility of the toddler areas, automation of building lighting and access systems, card readers for after-hours gym access and security / safety monitoring is included for effective operational design.

Safety: Passive surveillance, safe chemical storage, grab rails and balustrades at the pool ramps and visual delineators / signage are some of the safety features of the new pool complex.

Security: Security features such as external lighting, CCTV surveillance and access control systems will be incorporated across the site to minimise unauthorised access and anti-social behaviour. 

Council is currently in the process of planting roses which will be trained to climb over the newly constructed arbour, creating a cathedral type focal point for the rose garden. 

In addition to this, more construction is planned for the garden, including restoration of garden beds, upgrades to the stairs and pathways and more planting works.  

Demolition of existing structures, pools and services, bulk earthworks and inground civil works, piling/piering of footings and installation of utilities services have been completed and concrete has been poured for the 50m and 25m pools. 

The construction of the new Waves Aquatic Centre will have a minor impact on the Roxborough Park Rose Garden however Council is committed to retaining and improving the garden. Council has budgeted $300,000 for upgrades to the Rose Garden, and this is expected to begin within the next 12 months.  

At Council's Ordinary Meeting on 12 May 2020, a construction tender was awarded to ADCO Constructions Pty Limited for the construction of the approved concept design. Read the media release here.

Preliminary works in April 2020 comprised of the decommissioning of the site, including removal of equipment, dismantling operating systems, safety works, and early works have now been completed in preparation for demolition.

Early works involved site establishment, site fencing site office installation, safety assessments, building demolition preparation, and the start of demolition works. 

The Hills Shire Council approved a $55 million concept design for a knock down and rebuild of Waves Aquatic Centre during the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday, August 27, 2019. 

Council also moved to adopt a Masterplan (as shown in the video below) for the existing site, allowing the potential for further enhancements to be made at Waves in the future, including the inclusion of a 25 metre square pool and water slides.

Thank you to all who participated in the May – June 2018 consultations. During this time site meetings with user groups were held to understand usage and requirements. In addition, over 170 ‘Have Your Say’ visitor and community comment cards were received.

High level concept plans, including artist impressions, were used during the May-June 2018 community consultations to stimulate discussion and to seek further feedback regarding user experience and expectation.

Planning to meet the needs and aspirations of the Hills Shire community involves consideration of current and future recreation and leisure needs. This includes both new and existing facilities.

Community aquatic facilities play an important role in providing residents social, recreational and sporting opportunities. While there is community interest in a future second aquatic facility, we must first assess and address the existing offering at Waves.

Opened in 1967, the facility is ageing and requires renewal which cannot wait. With modern upgrades and design improvements the future use and experience of Waves will be enhanced.

Yes, the plan is to incorporate energy efficient systems, sustainable materials, and smart energy features into the design and operation of the new facility.

Waves will remain a community asset. Before the new Centre opens, Council will assess and consider the best management option for the operation of the facility.

The construction of the new Waves Aquatic Centre will have a minor impact on the Roxborough Park Rose Garden however Council is committed to retaining and improving the garden. Council has budgeted $300,000 for upgrades to the Rose Garden, and this is expected to begin within the next 12 months.  

The design needs to consider an overall aquatic centre offer – one that is the most suitable for the diverse range of user groups. At this stage a warm water pool, suitable for hydrotherapy activity, has been included. We are also planning for a separate Spa and Sauna space.

Yes. A new cafe facility is planned, and is intended to have three access points – from the foyer, from the pool side, and from outside the front – providing different spaces to sit and enjoy the facility.

The plan is to provide additional water space over what is currently available. The current 50m pool, for instance, has 8 lanes, and the new 50m pool will have 10 lanes.

Council also has a community engagement e-newsletter which sends monthly updates on major projects happening across The Hills Shire, including the Waves Aquatic Centre Upgrade. To subscribe to the Hills Have Your Say e-newsletter, click here.

We have always allowed approx. 18 - 24 months for this project, however, we will not have a clear estimated opening date until the construction contract has been agreed, awarded, and signed.

If you do not speak English and require a translation/interpreter please contact the Telephone Interpreter Service on 131450 and ask them to call Council on 02 9843 0555 and enquire on your behalf.