Aquatic centres have become some of local government’s most desirable but least affordable assets. How these projects are planned, built and funded needs closer attention as projects have skyrocketed in price.

Designs have become bloated, costs blow out and the functionality of centres gets 'value managed' out of projects. It doesn't need to be this way; there are excellent examples of completed centres in Australia where targets were hit and ratepayers are happy.

This seminar investigates the challenges in building aquatic centres at lower cost and provides recommendations from experts who have proven track records in delivering projects on time, within budget and fit for purpose.

Session 1 - The Elephant in the Pool
9.40am-10.50am

New aquatic centres have become some of local government’s most complex and expensive projects, with many slipping from community asset to financial headache as capital costs escalate. This session explains how the standard council planning and procurement process unintentionally fuels over‑design and cost escalation, drawing on recent Victorian and interstate examples. It finishes with clear, implementable recommendations – from reference designs and pre-fabricated components to stronger cost gateways – for delivering lower‑cost, right‑sized aquatic facilities.

Presenters - Anton Borg and Simon Brooks

Session 2 - The Design Process - Building better not bigger
11.10am-12.40pm
This session explores how aquatic centres can be planned, designed and delivered with lower capital costs while protecting long-term operational performance. Drawing on real-world examples, attendees will gain practical insights into developing and aligning scope with budget, reducing unnecessary complexity, and making smarter CAPEX decisions that directly lower OPEX, energy consumption and whole-of-life operating costs for aquatic facilities.

Presenters - Michael Cook and Shane Stodden

Lunch 12.40pm-1.20pm

Session 3 - The Devil is in the Detail
1.20pm -3.20pm
Glazing performance and how it can cost less, plant room templates and poly-source energy systems that use Natural Refrigerants. Experts discuss alternatives that reduce CAPEX and OPEX for owners and reduce the amount of money that has to be sourced.

Presenters - Dr Jonathan Duverge, Rudolf (Rudi) Frey, John Mandelt, Tony Kimpton, Stefan Jensen and Elie Haddad

Session 4 - The Design Process - Final Design Recommendations
3.20pm-4.00pm
This session summarises the key points from earlier sessions to provide a guide that can be used by decision makers to start their aquatic centre project with confidence in the outcomes.

Presenters - Michael Cook, Shane Stodden and Tony Kimpton

Contact the host of Building Low Cost Aquatic Centres

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