Designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, the regional aquatic centre hosts a range of programs and activities and cater for people of all ages and abilities, including

• A 50-metre pool;
• Toddler and learn to swim pools;
• Leisure and warm-water pools;
• Program pool, spa, sauna and steam room;
• Waterslides;
• Gymnasium and group fitness rooms; and
• Café and reception areas.

“Purely from a building services perspective the project was designed with a sustainable focus. The most effective sustainable strategies for a pool environment include energy and water initiatives, both of which Meinhardt have detailed experience with,” said Chris Orr, Principal – Building Services.

• Sustainable initiatives adopted for the project include:
• High efficiency heat recovery systems for the major air handling plant serving the pool space;
• Recycling of water through rainwater harvesting system;
• Open balance control system for the wet and dry zones;
• High efficiency condensing boilers serving the pool, space heating and domestic hot water;
• Coordination with the builder and architect to ensure an efficient building envelope – building fabric/sealing/airlock achieved below 5m3/h/m2 at 50Pa for the wet zones. This will assist with reducing energy consumption and air leakage of the building, saving up to 30% of annual mechanical plant energy consumption;
• LED lighting technology;
• Water efficiency through WELS rating fittings; and
• Daylight contribution, reducing the use of artificial lighting.

The development has broken new ground in aquatic centre design with its iconic roof profile. The distinctive design can be seen from every angle, as there is no back to the complex.

Peddle Thorp’s Design director Peter Brook said designing such a complex was always a challenge.

“We have helped to build an asset for the entire community,” Mr Brook said. “It will be an important part of people’s lives and every aspect requires special design care and tremendous attention to detail.”

Hume Mayor, Councillor Drew Jessop said “Splash”, would be a key regional facility for Melbourne’s north.

“Hume’s new aquatic and leisure centre is shaping up to be more than just a destination,” he said.

Hume City Council has delivered Splash in partnership with the Australian Government, Victorian Government, Stockland and Craigieburn Central.

The building is now part of an extensive 12-hectare park that will include a regional athletics track; a war memorial; event space and passive park areas; pathways and playspaces and accessible playground; along with car parking and landscaping.

There are also two water slides 14 metres off the ground – the turbo twist which carries up to two people in a raft over 130 metres, and the viper which is a single-person body slide.

The eagerly awaited centre, expected to attract 600,000 visitors a year, has already witnessed a surge in interest months before opening. In the opening week, more than 15,000 visitors attended the centre. There has been “unprecedented” demand for Splash Foundation Memberships and swim lessons.