As Northern Irelands first and only Olympic Standard 50m Pool this award-winning project was conceived as an elite sports facility from inception. The main pool hall can accommodate over 800 spectators within a large triple height space created by 52 glulam beams each being over 75m long. This impressive structural feat was recognised by awards at local and national level. Designed and delivered in partnership with specialist leisure architects S&P ltd we developed a solution which catered for both international swimming events and the day-to-day needs of the local community. By using movable booms & floors in the 50m pool it can be sub-divided into 3 separate pools of 13m / 25m / 9m with varying depths in each. This is augmented by a standalone competition diving pool. In addition, the centre has an impressive leisure pool area with slides and pirate ship for a different family leisure experience. The result is an outstanding aquatic centre which also includes a full complement of dry leisure facilities including 900m2 Sports Hall, Squash Courts, large gym and multipurpose rooms for spin / yoga / self-defence classes. Together with a full range of external synthetic and grass pitches the completed scheme provides a full sports and leisure offering on one compact site.
The Aurora Complex has become an instantly recognisable sports and leisure destination within Northern Ireland and contributed positively to North Downs portfolio of outstanding facilities. In particular this successful project also: