Mangere Leisure Centre
Manukau, New Zealand

Vic Davies Architect Ltd. acted as specialist facility consultant for this complex which integrated a multi-purpose facility with a fitness centre, lap pool, learner's pool, leisure pool, sauna, swirl pool, and associated dry facilities. Built adjacent to the existing Mangere Recreation Centre the two buildings were linked together when the pool complex opened. The addition of the aquatic elements has been a wonderful asset to the community. This top-notch sports facilities provides the venue to develop the next generation of sporting stars.

The Mangere Leisure Centre received the 2002 Property Council of New Zealand award. The Leisure Centre was entered into the Special Purpose Property category by the design team's local architect. The use of natural light, appropriate high quality/low maintenance materials, water features, and the space provided is commendable and has led to an environment in which both swimmers and spectators feel comfortable. Openness and lightness has been emphasized through the use of skylights and perimeter windows.

The facility incorporates good use of energy efficient features - use of natural light, energy recovered from return air to heat outdoor air supply, heat recovery from pool water drained from each pool to preheat incoming water mains. In this award, the Property Council recognizes all the features that make up a great property. The aesthetics, the design, financial considerations, etc. are the base on which these awards are judged. The outcome is more than an award for the way the property looks or its architectural merit, it is recognition that what has been achieved is based on why the property exists and meeting the needs of the user.