Summit Aquatic + Leisure Centre

As a catalyst for Mount Barker’s future, the new Summit Aquatic + Leisure Centre has been shaped through deep community engagement and collaboration, creating a facility that embodies the region’s diverse needs, values, and identity.

Informed by extensive consultation with council members, community reference groups, facility operators, and local residents, the design responds thoughtfully to its heritage farmland setting—drawing inspiration from the surrounding hills, iconic gum trees, and Adelaide Hills vernacular, while placing accessibility, sustainability and inclusivity at its core.

More than just a place for fitness and recreation, the centre is a welcoming, people-focused destination designed to support wellbeing, foster social connection, and grow with the community for years to come.

Location: Peramangk Country
Mount Barker, South Australia
Client: Mount Barker District Council
Value: $48M
Scale: 5,900sqm
Year: 2025
Project Leadership: Ben Luppino
Project Contact: Michael Willis
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Built for belonging and shaped for inclusivity

Shaped by extensive consultation, this facility embodies a deep user-centred approach. The design thoughtfully responds to diverse needs across the entire demographic of the community, from older adults and neurodiverse individuals to those who need adaptable spaces for families, athletes, and casual visitors.

Engagement through one-on-one sessions and collaborative site tours informed the functional layout, ensuring ease of access and inclusivity are prioritised throughout. The centre’s pools are fully wheelchair accessible, change facilities accommodate varied needs, and a dedicated crèche supports caregivers, reinforcing a welcoming environment where everyone can participate comfortably and safely.

Inspired by nature, rooted in heritage

The Summit—the highest point in Mount Barker, served as both a cultural and physical reference for the Summit Aquatic + Leisure Centre. Built on a former paddock, the centre honours local heritage barns through the use of local stone and carefully chosen sustainable materials, reinforcing its connection to the local identity and environment.

The design respects natural waterways such as Mount Barker Creek, and promotes active lifestyles through nearby trail connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Energy efficiency is a core principle, maximising natural light and employing flexible mechanical systems that reduce energy use, all supporting a sustainable, environmentally responsible facility.

Versatile pools for every purpose

Balancing high-performance aquatic functions with everyday community use, the centre provides flexible spaces that operate independently yet cohesively. Pools of varying depth and temperature cater to all users and activities—from recreational swimming, learn-to-swim programs, and casual use, to rehabilitative and sensory-tunable aquatic environments, as well as regional competitions. A central marshalling area supports school and community events, while multiple change areas ensure comfort and safety for all users.

The design anticipates future growth, with planned expansions including an outdoor 50-metre pool, water play areas, indoor sports courts, and event spaces. The facility operates 24 hours a day, delivering round-the-clock accessibility while optimising energy performance.

A vibrant hub for community wellbeing

Complemented by a welcoming café, communal areas, flexible community spaces, and outdoor verandas designed for social connection, the centre is positioned as a vibrant hub for community wellbeing and activity for years to come, and as a catalyst for future development in the Mount Barker region.

The Summit Aquatic + Leisure Centre showcases the importance of genuine co-design processes, with the community needs and local environment embedded in the function and form of the centre.
Ben Luppino
Director