Inclusive recreation for a vibrant community

The Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre redevelopment comprehensively transformed this 1959 swimming centre into a state-of-the-art aquatic leisure centre for a wide cross-section of the local community, whilst retaining its significant heritage fabric.

Catering to the Lidcombe community needs, the aquatic centre had to take into consideration religious requirements for the women and children in the area. To provide a space that was usable at all times of the day and year, a large curtain draws a separation in the indoor program pool to allow for women to enjoy a recreational swim or engage in swimming lessons with their kids without the centre needing to close. It provides a private, versatile space for all members of the community.

Working alongside Donovan Payne Architects, the redevelopment of the existing Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre provides a more attractive, flexible, cost effective and practical centre for the community. The rejuvenated Aquatic Centre includes outdoor 50m & 25m lap pools to provide for swimming carnivals, lap swimming, springboard diving and waterpolo, an interactive water play area and an extensive surrounding concourse with spectator grandstand.

The cultural considerations designed into the contemporary, revitalised aquatic and leisure centre redevelopment encourages non-swimmers in the community to achieve an essential life skill. It is an inclusive hub for the community that has provided a gathering place for all families to achieve a higher quality of life through aquatics and recreation.