City of Boroondara: Kew Recreation Centre Extension
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Kew Recreation Centre project implements priority components of the Leisure and Aquatic Centres Planning Study (LACPS) presented to Council in October 2008. The program of works recommended in the LACPS supports the Council Plan key strategic activity of strengthening communities.
Kew Recreation Centre was redeveloped to incorporate the following key elements:
- two storey extension to the north of the existing gymnasium;
- new crèche and associated outdoor play area;
- southerly extension of the existing program room;
- expansion of some staff facilities and administration areas;
- internal re-organisation to improve the reception and café;
- a new spinning room;
- re-grading of a grassed area near the northern boundary of the site to allow flexibility for overflow parking on peak usage days
Project objectives
The main objective of the Kew Recreation centre is to increase the available dry area activity space to meet current and future demands. Expansion of dry program spaces at Kew Recreation centre is also required to provide temporary accommodation for programs displaced by the Hawthorn Aquatic and leisure Centre redevelopment.
The Crèche at Kew Recreation centre is being designed for an initial 30 child license (an increase from the current 21 child capacity) while providing the necessary space to accommodate 42 places if required in the future. This will allow scope for subsequent renovation to provide for increasing crèche utilisation in line with projected membership increase. The crèche space is designed to be multi- purpose, providing some additional flexibility in centre programming.
The existing entry/foyer was also highlighted to be cramped and not very functional. This area was re-built and reconfigured to include a café and outdoor seating area, improving the overall functionality and operation of the centre.
Innovative features of the project
The new building fabric incorporates a high level of thermal insulation, sun-shading and double glazing, low energy light fittings and controllers, economy cycle air-conditioning plant and a number of openable windows to promote natural cross ventilation. The existing pool roof has been re-surfaced and treated with a thermal ceramic radiant heat barrier coating that re-radiates electromagnetic wave forms from the sun, substantially reducing the heat penetration on a roof.
Distinguishing features of the project
The main distinguishing features of the building design and build are:
- double glazing to all windows along the north elevation,
- low energy light fittings and controllers,
- openable windows to promote natural cross ventilation.
- 2 x 25000 litre water tanks for water re-harvesting
- effective usage of colour themes
Barriers overcome to achieve success
The operation of the centre was effectively fully maintained during construction works. Temporary entrance and crèche facilities were installed and operational prior to decommissioning the existing services. The centre operators, project contractors and Council staff worked together tirelessly to ensure the most effective transition between spaces was achieved.
Costs/Benefits associated with the project
The total project cost for Kew Recreation Centre was in the order of $4.8M. The total cost allowed for new building works, extension of building areas, refurbishment of existing areas and improving functionality and performance of the whole centre. The centre has experienced an increase of membership and patrons in the order of 15-20% since the completion of building works in November 2011.
Download full details of the Kew Recreation Centre Extension