Concept Plan
The 2025 concept plan outlines a practical, community-driven and financially responsible pathway to deliver a year-round indoor heated aquatic facility for Denmark.
Building on more than a decade of design work and community consultation, the plan positions the facility co-located with the Denmark Recreation Centre for shared staffing and integrated operations. It includes a 25-metre, six-lane lap pool for exercise, learn to swim, training and aqua-fitness, and a warmer-water program pool for hydrotherapy, early learn-to- swim and rehabilitation.
The design meets updated bushfire compliance, accessibility and sustainability standards, achieving compliance with minimal vegetation loss and clear sightlines across wet- and dry- side areas for safety and supervision. It also allows for future expansion of the gym and a third indoor court as community demand grows.
The facility meets WA Department of Health Group 1 aquatic facility requirements — the standard for public aquatic centres offering learn-to-swim, hydrotherapy, recreation and lap swimming. This classification ensures the facility has the required lifeguard coverage, technical water-quality management, and safety systems expected of a full public aquatic centre.
Estimated construction cost for the preferred configuration (lap and program pools) is around $12.8 million.
The 2025 plan delivers an efficient, environmentally responsible and future-ready design — one that reflects Denmark’s values of wellbeing, inclusion and environmental care.
Explore the 2025 Concept Plan in Detail
Location and Environmental Considerations
The 2025 concept plan positions the aquatic facility on a site south of the Denmark Recreation Centre to meet modern bushfire (BAL 29) and environmental standards.
Updated vegetation, contour and geotechnical surveys guided the selection of a location that minimises clearing while maintaining close connection to the Recreation Centre and new and existing parking areas.
Several layout options were tested to balance safety, operational efficiency and environmental impact. The preferred orientation achieves compliance with minimal disturbance, provides strong visual links between the pools and recreation areas, and positions the facility for seamless integration with future gym and court expansion.
Layout and Functional Design
The 2025 concept plan explores several layout options, with a two-pool configuration—a 25-metre lap pool and a warmer-water program pool—identified as the preferred design.
This layout supports year-round recreation, swimming lessons, rehabilitation and fitness programs while maintaining operational efficiency.
Reception and shared amenities are located on the southern car-park side, creating a single public entry and clear sightlines across both wet- and dry-side areas. The thermally separated program pool provides privacy and warmer temperatures suited to hydrotherapy and early learn-to-swim activities.
The build aims to achieve Passive House principles to minimise energy demand and GHG emissions. The all-electric design uses air-sourced heat pumps supported by a solar array with battery storage to minimise operating costs and emissions.
The design also allows for future additions, including a third indoor court and expanded gym space, without major structural changes. Estimated construction cost for the preferred configuration is around $12.8 million.
Future Integration and Expansion
The 2025 concept plan has been designed with staged development in mind. The preferred Option 5b forms the foundation for a broader recreation-precinct upgrade outlined in the Shire’s Our Future 2035 plan.
Future stages could include a third basketball court, expanded gym and fitness facilities, and a landscaped outdoor café area connecting the centre to the oval. These additions will enhance community use and event potential while preserving energy efficiency and limiting vegetation loss.
By planning for integration from the outset, the concept ensures that each stage—pool, court and gym—can be delivered responsibly, aligned with community demand, funding opportunities, and long-term asset planning.
About
Learn about the history of DACCI and the meet the team behind this campaign.
Benefits
What are the benefits of having a community pool?
Get Involved
Become a member, volunteer to help the cause and keep up to date with the latest news.