Gungahlin Leisure Centre

The building

In June 2015, Canberra’s northern residents welcomed the long awaited public opening of the Gungahlin Leisure Centre. The ACT government’s $28.7 million facility is managed by the YMCA and features an eight-lane 50-metre pool which also meets the Olympic standard for water polo. Furthermore, a 25-metre pool is provided which allows for learn-to-swim classes, lap swimmers and children’s play area. The centre also includes a separate children’s water play area, a gym with programmed classes and fitness rooms, a cafe, and childcare facilities.

The approach

In an effort to deliver a cost effective and safe design solution for the broader benefit of the project stakeholders and local community, Scientific Fire Services contributed towards providing an alternative solution with consideration to the likely minimal fire risks associated with the aquatic centre. The building was reviewed by adopting a risk based methodology allowing the building to be constructed with enlarged fire compartments and protracted egress provisions due to the low probability of fire start, potential fire intensity and minimal impact on occupant life safety. Manual fire-fighting equipment was also reviewed enabling a design with consideration given to the minimal fire hazards thus low impact on occupants and fire-fighting personnel.