Sunderland Aquatic Centre

Sunderland, UK - Leisure

Supporting a healthy community.

Sunderland Aquatic Centre is designed to cater for all ages and abilities in the community. It features a 50m main swimming pool, which can be split into two 25m pools, a diving pool, a 140 station gym, and a soft play area.

Client
Sunderland City Council
Location
Sunderland, UK
Sector
Leisure
Status
Complete 2010
Value
£28m
Area
6,000sqm
Expertise

The centre has become a facility of national importance and achieved the world’s first BREEAM Excellent rating for a 50m pool. The design maximises usage and flexibility for its various users. 

Sunderland City Council wanted its aquatic centre to reflect the ambitions of Sport England and the Amateur Swimming Association’s National Facility Plan with the added necessity of providing a superb facility for use by all.  

Designed for optimal performance.

A movable floor at one end of the main pool tank allows for depths from 0m to 2m, while a traversable boom allows the length of the pool to be shortened when required, enabling disabled users to access the pool safely. The overall shape, created using curved laminated timber beams spanning over 50m across the seating and pools, optimises air circulation around the pool hall, helping to avoid condensation and remove air borne chemicals from the water surface and away from swimmers, creating fast water.  

Externally a sophisticated and caring eco approach directs all rainwater falling on the building into the pool treatment plant, before recirculating it back into the pool. 

The design provides maximum flexibility for the centre’s programme. It allows access to the 50m lanes from early morning and through the school day for lessons, to diving classes in the evening and use by the Royal Hospital for therapy at the end of the day. 

Civic Trust Awards

Winner

BREEAM

‘Excellent’

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