Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre Redevelopment Project

The Northcote Aquatic Recreation Centre is being redeveloped so it can meet the needs of Darebin’s growing population well into the future.

The Northcote Aquatic Recreation Centre reached its end-of-life and is being redeveloped so it can meet the needs of Darebin’s growing population well into the future.

We are building a 6 Star Green Star rated facility. We have been awarded 6 Star Green Star for the design, reflecting ‘world leadership’ level in sustainable design and is the highest rating possible under the Green Building Council of Australia’s rating system.

The renewal of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre is part of the Darebin Council Plan 2017–2021, supporting our goal to expand opportunities for participation and social connection through sport, physical activity and other leisure activities.

The new facility is expected to be completed mid – late 2023 and will offer indoor and outdoor pools as well as increased opportunities to participate in health and wellbeing activities, through larger and additional programming spaces and an added warm water pool for exercise and rehabilitation.

All components of the facility are fully accessible including ramps into all pools, a lift to the first floor, accessible change rooms located near the warm water pool. The facility will include change rooms including dedicated spaces for accessibility, gender neutral, changing places and school groups. We received funding from the State Government to contribute to our changing places facility.

The design has been shaped by community consultation and completed by Warren and Mahoney Australia.

Darebin Council has also consulted significantly with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation throughout the development of the design of the facility and the landscaping. Consultation remains ongoing throughout the project to achieve integrated outcomes.

The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Project is supported by the Victorian Government.

You can sign up for email updates and offers about swimming and fitness at the new NARC facility.

Sign up for Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Project updates

To help NARC members continue their health and wellbeing activities, we have been working to provide alternative fitness and swimming options you to consider. These include options and discounts for existing NARC members and users for health club memberships, swimming lessons and older adult programs at other venues.

For more information about the history of the project, visit the Your Say Darebin website.

Video updates

Watch the latest updates from the build on our YouTube playlist dedicated to the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Visit the NARC playlist on YouTube