Palm Beach Aquatic & Community Centre | Liquid Blu and COX Architecture

Palm Beach Aquatic & Community Centre | Liquid Blu and COX Architecture | Photographer: Scott Burrows

2026 National Architecture Awards Program

Palm Beach Aquatic & Community Centre | Liquid Blu and COX Architecture

Traditional Land Owners

Kombumerri people of Yugambeh Nation

Year
2026
Chapter

Queensland

Region

Gold Coast and Northern Rivers

Category
Public Architecture
Builder
BADGE Constructions
Photographer
Scott Burrows
Media summary

The Palm Beach Aquatic and Community Centre has been transformed into a lively, multi-use destination supporting the health, fitness and recreational needs of the southern Gold Coast community.

The redeveloped centre features a state-of-the-art aquatic complex, vibrant community centre and expanded fitness facilities, designed with a subtropical architectural approach that embraces the local climate and culture.

Originally built between 1977 and 1981 and located off Thrower Drive beside Currumbin Creek, the much-loved community hub has undergone a comprehensive redevelopment to meet the needs of a growing population. The result is a modern, inclusive venue offering spaces for people of all ages and abilities.

Upgraded facilities include four new pools alongside the existing 50-metre pool, as well as a new community centre with flexible spaces, a crèche and café.

Designed and Delivered by Liquid Blu and COX Architecture in association for the City of Gold Coast.

The Palm Beach Aquatic and Community Centre redevelopment prioritises social connection and community engagement, providing accessible, multipurpose spaces that meet diverse needs for now and future generations. Since opening on 28 October 2024, the centre has welcomed 404,624 visitors, 3,689 fitness members, and 1,880 Learn-to-Swim enrolments, achieving $3,192,376 in revenue – well above the forecast of 250,000 visitations and $1.5 million. Awarded Gold status on the Royal Life Saving QLD Platinum Pools program, the centre strengthens its role as a welcoming, inclusive hub for social interaction and community development in the southern Gold Coast.

Project Practice Team

Yuri Dillon, Project Director (QLD Registration Number 3576)
Richard Coulson, Project Director (QLD Registration Number 3039)
Ali Farmer, Associate Director (QLD Registration Number 4629)
Jared Kennedy, Architect (QLD Registration Number 5886)
James Ryan, Architect (QLD Registration Number 6014)
Cecile Viollet, Senior Interior Designer
Belinda Douglas, Senior Associate (QLD Registration Number 3890)
Natalie Scicluna, Senior Associate (QLD Registration Number 5246)

Project Consultant and Construction Team

Liquid Blu, Architecture
Obvious Access, Accessibility
Renzo Tonin, Acoustic Consultant
SCP, Aquatic Structure & Hydraulic
IAS, Arborist
Byrne Consultants, BIM
East Coast Approvals, Certifier
ACOR, Civil Consultant
28 South, Environmental
Multitech, Electrical / Mechanical / Hydraulic
Stantec, ESD Consultant
FSDA, Food & Beverage
Butler Partners, Geotech
Novofit, Gym Equipment
Urbis, Landscape Consultant
Multitech, ICT / Fire / Security / VT
Turner & Townsend, Quantity Surveyor
Bligh Tanner, Structural Engineer
TTM, Traffic
Pool Star, Water Safety
Goldi, Wayfinding & Signage
MEL Consultants, Wind Engineering Consultants

Connect with Liquid Blu and COX Architecture

This form is now closed.