AusLeisure

Since opening on 10th September, Cannington Leisureplex has begun to establish itself as a place for City of Canning residents to learn, relax, compete, train and be entertained.

The $35 million Cannington Leisureplex, designed by Christou Design Group, is also set to host an industry study tour on Monday 29th October.

Funded by the City of Canning along with grants of $7 million from the Federal Government, $2.5 milion from the Western Australian Department of Sport & Recreation and $1 million from Lotterywest, the facility successfully incorporates the lastest environmentally sustainable design initiatives including a deep geothermal bore linked to a state of the art heat exchange system.

Cannington Leisureplex consolidates three pre-existing buildings: the Canning Aquatic Centre, Queens Park Recreation Centre and Queens Park Library, which had reached the end of their lifecycle and now incorporates a ten-lane 25 metre pool; leisure, diving and learn-to-swim pools; an international standard sports hall with netball, basketball volleyball, badminton facilities; a fitness club and a library along with function and community space.

A statement from Christou Design Group (formerly James Christou + Partners Architects) explains that the centre "is anticipated to save a significant amount of operating energy and money for the Council."

The hot water from the deep geothermal bore is used to directly heat pool water and pool supply air systems via a heat exchanger. Heat source areas such as the gymnasium and crèche contribute to the warming of the pool and 'low activity' spaces when required, resulting in almost 0% energy wastage and increasing air conditioning efficiencies.

The pool's hydraulics incorporate an innovative pre-coat filtration system that will deliver significant water savings and increase water quality.

A grey water system treats and recycles waste-water from change-room showers and basins for reticulation and flushing. The proposed design and service infrastructure will achieve a significant energy and water reduction for the client over the lifetime of the building.

Christou Design Group anticipated savings when compared to a traditional aquatic and recreation centres as being:

• 20% per annum energy for space heating and cooling;
• $200,000.00 per annum for pool heating as a result of the geothermal heat exchange system with a six year payback period at current energy prices;
• 12.9 million litres of water ($15,000) per annum will be saved through the use of grey water recycling system;
• 4.6 million litres of water ($5,600) per annum will be saved through the unique pool filtration system.

The 29th October study tour, organised by Parks and Leisure Australia - Western Australia (PLAWA), will include a tour of the City of Canning Manager Leisure Facilities Nick Wilkinson who will outline the processes involved in managing the project from conception, community consultation to design elements, and funding.

The tour will also include a presentation on Building Information Modeling by Mick Spooner of consulting engineers Norman Disney Young.

The event is aimed at facility, project, aquatic and recreation managers, community development professionals and thoseinterested in or involved in the planning, co-ordination, and management of aquatic and recreation facilities.

Registrations for the study tour cost $11 for PLAWA members, $22 for non members and close on Friday 26th October.

For details and registrations contact Leith Fradd of PLAWA on 0451 993 526, E: plawa@parksleisure.com.au, www.canning.wa.gov.au/c/cannington-leisureplex.html

16th July 2010 - AWARDS FOR JAMES CHRISTOU + PARTNERS ARCHITECTS

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