Mornington Peninsula Council commits to expanded solar power system for Rosebud Aquatic Centre

April 30, 2020

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has committed to expanding the solar power system that will be installed on the rooftop of its new Rosebud Aquatic Centre.

The solar energy system for the new facility was initially specified to be 231kW, but in June last year Council resolved to install the maximum number of solar panels possible on the Centre’s rooftop. The conditions attached to the expansion were safe roof access and symmetry for aesthetic reasons were to be maintained.

At last week’s Council meeting, a quote from Buxton Constructions for a 375kW commercial solar system - at a cost of a total of $353,596 - was recommended and accepted.

The system, which will utilise power optimisers (devices attached to each solar panel that ensure the current provided by the panel is always optimal for maximising energy output), should generate somewhere in the region of 508,800 kilowatt hours of clean electricity a year.

The Council awarded the $35.82 million contract for construction of the Rosebud Aquatic Centre to Buxton Constructions in July last year, with completion expected towards the end of this year.

Other energy efficiency related measures to be incorporated into the Centre include air pressurisation used in the pool hall to reduce heat loss from the pool when not in use and removing the need for pool blankets. In addition, the walls and floor of the concrete pools will be insulated to reduce heat loss, it will be an 'air-tight' building design, natural lighting will be used extensively, and an energy efficient water treatment plant and equipment will be installed.

Among its many features, Rosebud Aquatic Centre will offer a 50 metre indoor pool, learn to swim and warm water program pools, a gymnasium, a wellness centre, cafe and various disability access attributes.

Image of the Rosebud Aquatic Centre's planned 50 metre indoor pool courtesy of Peddle Thorp Architects.

25th March 2020 - Aquatic sector could lose $900 million in revenue as Prime Minister Scott Morrison advises that all commercial pools must close

31st January 2020 - Gas bill shock triggers revolution in energy-efficient aquatic centre design

22nd January 2020 - Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre looks to solar panels system to help reduce operating costs

29th November 2019 - Mornington Peninsula Shire Council awards Aquatic Centre management tender to Belgravia Leisure

23rd November 2019 - Courts reopened at Mornington Peninsula Boneo Tennis Club

14th November 2019 - S.R.Smith acquires solar pool leader Sunbather

9th July 2019 - Mornington Peninsula Shire Council awards construction tender for Rosebud Aquatic Centre

27th June 2019 - New aquatic facility set to be pride of the Mornington Peninsula

4th May 2019 - Mornington Peninsula’s Somerville Recreation and Community Centre reborn

1st May 2019 - Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre solar energy installation part of Council Energy Action Plan

3rd December 2018 - Largest solar array in metropolitan Melbourne to be installed at Melbourne Museum

12th July 2018 - Mornington Peninsula Shire secures $5 million Federal funding towards new aquatic centre

21st June 2018 - Smart solar installation to power Halls Creek Aquatic and Recreation Centre

29th May 2018 - Aquatic centres look to increase usage of solar power

14th September 2017 - Belgravia Leisure to manage five Mornington Peninsula Shire recreation and sport facilities

20th October 2016 - Mornington Peninsula hot springs to be exploited for wellness tourism

3rd September 2014 - Four designs submitted for Mornington Peninsula Council’s Southern Peninsula Aquatic Centre

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