Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre's Big Warm-Up is coming!

Published on 24 July 2023

Darebin's newest and most innovative fitness and aquatic facility is coming to Northcote this year.

Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) will offer an outdoor 50m pool, indoor 25m pool, warm water pool, learn to swim pool and indoor and outdoor aqua play areas.

Fitness and wellness facilities include multi-purpose spaces for group fitness, yoga and reformer Pilates, an 800m2 fitness centre, and consulting rooms for allied health professionals.

In the lead-up to the opening, NARC is holding a series of community events throughout Darebin over the coming months. Called ‘The Big Warm-Up’, residents will have the opportunity to be part of NARC before it opens its doors to the public.

Activities as part of ‘The Big Warm-Up’ including a free ‘Breakfast of Champions’ offered to local commuters, community activations at NARC such as LGBTIQA+ friendly aqua aerobics, Sensory Sensitive swimming day, and a pre-opening Parade along Northcote’s High St are sure to make a splash.

Local sporting clubs will also have the opportunity to be involved in events and activities in the lead up to NARC’s official opening.

The new NARC is proudly operated by Clublinks, a highly experienced facilities management company that also operates Narrandjeri Stadium, Darebin Community Sports Stadium, Bundoora Park Public Golf Course and Northcote Public Golf Course in the municipality.

Clublinks CEO Anthony Lawrence said the centre will be an invaluable asset to Darebin, with innovative activities, programming and events created to attract people from all over the community.

“The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre will be a true neighbourhood hub, in which all members of the community feel welcomed,” he said. ‘The Big Warm-Up’ is just the start of our commitment to creating a vibrant, dynamic and diverse series of events and programming to welcome everyone to the centre.”

Mayor of Darebin, Cr Julie Williams said ‘The Big Warm-Up’ aligns with Council’s commitment to expand opportunities for participation and social engagement through sport, physical activity, and various other leisure activities.

We have a great community partnerships focused operator in Clublinks and ‘The Big Warm Up’ presents an exciting opportunity for the community to enjoy and experience inclusive activities and programs that will be a core role in this new facility.”

Cr Williams said “Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) through its inclusive design, caters to the entire community. The facility has been thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps providing easy access to all pools and a lift for access to the first floor. Additionally, NARC will offer well-equipped changed rooms, including dedicated spaces for accessibility, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the facility’s amenities.

NARC pre-sale fitness and learn-to-swim memberships are currently available with a range of value-adds offered to new members, including waived sign-up fees (valued at $55), the chance to win 6- and 12-month memberships and merchandise including towels, drink bottles and bags. Pre-sale members will also have the opportunity to participate in ‘The Big Warm-up’ activations on site prior to the centre opening to the public.

NARC will open to the public later in 2023.

For more information and membership inquiries, go to the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre website.

Find out more about the history of the project and construction updates.