CO.OP partnered with the City of Melbourne to deliver the redevelopment of the Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre (KCARC), a major community facility designed to support health, recreation, and wellbeing for the growing local community.
Delivered under a fast-tracked Design and Construct (D&C) procurement model, the project required an accelerated program to meet a May 2021 tender deadline. Appointed in November 2020, CO.OP completed the detailed design documentation within just 5.5 months, enabling the project to proceed to market by April 2021.
The new KCARC brings together a diverse range of recreational and wellness facilities, including:
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- Indoor multi-purpose courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, netball, and futsal
- A modern aquatic hall with lap, learn-to-swim, and leisure pools
- Gymnasium and program spaces
- Change rooms and supporting amenities
- Administration and community spaces
- A public café
Sustainability and operational efficiency were key drivers of the project. The facility incorporates advanced 4-pipe heat recovery chillers that provide simultaneous heating and cooling to the pool and indoor court halls, significantly improving energy efficiency. A range of environmentally sustainable design (ESD) initiatives have also been integrated to reduce operational and maintenance costs over the life of the building. Supported by a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the facility is expected to operate as a carbon neutral community asset.