When you manage a really busy public aquatic facility, there’s no such thing as a convenient time to shut down for refurbishments.
The bathrooms at Claremont Aquatic Centre had served the community for decades. They were functional, but they no longer reflected the standards today’s swimmers expect. Worse, they were showing their age in ways that couldn’t be ignored much longer.
The challenge? The centre serves thousands of visitors each week, from early morning lap swimmers to afternoon learn-to-swim programs to evening squad training. Closing the facility wasn’t an option. Disrupting operations would affect not just revenue, but community programs, school bookings, and competitive training schedules.
The Approach: Five Steps to Zero-Disruption Refurbishment
Step 1: Secure Operations
Before any work began, we established complete containment. Physical barriers separated the work area from operational spaces. We created clear signage directing swimmers to alternative facilities. Every pathway was assessed for safety, especially given the wet environment typical of aquatic centres.
Step 2: Deliver Without Disruption
Materials and equipment arrived during off-peak hours. We coordinated deliveries around swim squad schedules, learn-to-swim programs, and public swimming times. Storage was secured away from public areas, maintaining the centre’s professional appearance throughout the project.
Step 3: Work With Precision
The refurbishment included:
- Complete strip-out of existing facilities
- New modern fixtures and fittings
- Contemporary tiling and finishes
- Improved layouts for better traffic flow
- Enhanced accessibility features
- Updated plumbing and electrical systems
Work occurred in carefully planned phases. We completed sections sequentially, allowing portions of the facilities to remain operational while others were being transformed.
Step 4: Clean With Care
In an aquatic environment, cleanliness is about safety and hygiene. Daily cleaning routines ensured no dust, debris, or materials contaminated operational areas. Air quality was monitored and maintained throughout.
Step 5: Handover With Confidence
Final inspections confirmed every detail met aquatic facility standards. All fixtures were tested, surfaces were sanitised, and the space was ready for immediate use. Documentation covered maintenance requirements and warranty information.
The Result: Modern Facilities, Zero Operational Disruption
Throughout the entire project:
- The pool remained open
- All programs continued as scheduled
- No swimming lanes were lost
- Budget and timeframes were met
- User feedback has been overwhelmingly positive
What This Means for Your Facility
If you’re responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure – whether it’s an aquatic centre, school, hospital, or other facility that can’t stop operating, you face similar challenges:
- Your stakeholders expect results – Upgraded facilities delivered on time and on budget
- Your operations can’t pause – The people who use your facility rely on continuous access
- Your reputation matters – The decisions you make reflect on your capability as a facility manager
This project demonstrates what’s possible when you partner with specialists who understand live-site refurbishments. We know how buildings can be transformed without compromising operations because we’ve been doing it for over 25 years across hospitals, schools, airports, correctional facilities, and government buildings throughout Western Australia.
Is Your Facility Due for an Upgrade?
If you’re managing ageing infrastructure at a facility that can’t afford downtime, let’s discuss how our process can work for your project.
Contact Protek to arrange a site assessment and discuss your specific requirements.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]