The ARC Campbelltown
The ARC Campbelltown in northeast Adelaide transforms a 1960s leisure centre into state-of-the-art sports, recreation and community hub. Campbelltown City Council engaged DesignInc to reimagine the ageing centre to reflect the diversity of people using the venue. DesignInc collaborated with the council and the community over four years to expand the project to nearly five times its original size.
The upgrade increases the range of activities offered and more than doubled occupancy upon reopening. The original multi-purpose courts were updated with new-technology flooring, lighting and spectator seating to provide ample space for basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball and soccer. Additions include a gym, dance/aerobics studios, a function space with court views, a cafe, meeting rooms, a creche, and improved change amenities.
The new aquatic facilities⏤learn-to-swim pool with a children’s splash pad and an indoor heated lap pool⏤provide purpose-built spaces for all ages and activities.
The ARC shows what can be achieved when innovative design supports a sound business model—an increase in memberships, which encourages more active, healthy living.
Richard Stafford
Director, DesignInc Adelaide
Site constraints required excavation to expand the footprint⏤an efficient plan minimised this impact. Best practices in design and sustainability include engineered timber court floors and high-tech squash court walling systems. Aquatic environments are uniquely challenging⏤the design balances air quality and access to natural light with the functional and safety requirements for swimming pools.
From the initial planning, it’s come along way. Families can come in and enjoy the area and have a fun time here. We are up to nearly 300 with our swimming lesson uptake, too, which will be offered from six months old to adults.
Brad Wenske
Centre Manager, Campbelltown City Council
People
Project
St Joseph’s School Hectorville Learning Building
Completing Stage 3 of its master plan, the new general learning building is the first major two-storey development for St Joseph’s School Hectorville. The contemporary learning building fosters student engagement by promoting sociability, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
The new building provides eight modern learning areas, out-of-school hours care (OSHC) facilities, and allied health consulting rooms, catering to the school’s growing student population in the northeastern suburbs. The light-filled general learning areas are connected by a contemporary learning commons, offering various group spaces, quiet study areas, and media nooks tailored to the school’s pedagogy.
Project
Reservoir Primary School Stage 2 Upgrade and Modernisation
DesignInc has reimagined the life of Reservoir Primary School with a master plan that revitalises the campus’ school heart—coalesced by new buildings and outdoor areas. A new STEAM wing, music pavilion, and refurbished heritage building culminate to create a vibrant learning environment in Melbourne’s north.
Insight
DesignInc Opens in Darwin
DesignInc has expanded into the Northern Territory, establishing a studio in Darwin. With expertise across sectors including defence, health, education, community, workplace, residential, transport, aviation, and urban design, DesignInc will now combine its national experience with established local knowledge, having completed numerous projects across the Northern Territory over the last decade.
Insight
Getting to know Alex Matovic
Craft, detail, assemblage and experience. Four key ingredients that have defined DesignInc Sydney Principal, Alex Matovic’s worldly career to date. Earlier this year, Alex and his five-strong Aeta Studio team joined DesignInc…
Project
45-57 Parramatta Road, Annandale
45-57 Parramatta Road, Annandale is a high-rise, mixed-use housing solution for Sydney’s Inner West. At eight storeys, 127 rooms and 3,200-square-metres of floor space, this co-living and diverse housing development caters to…
Insight
Greening transport—Sustainability accolades for Sydney infrastructure
Redfern Station and PHIVE received accolades for their innovative, inclusive, and environmentally conscious designs at the 2024 Sustainability Awards and the World Green Building Council’s Sustainable Design and Performance Awards.
