As a regional centre of excellence the new Bangor Leisure Centre and 50m Pool serves as a flagship leisure project for Northern Ireland. The project delivers long-term economic and sporting benefits to the people of North Down and the wider Northern Ireland community.
The curved glazed facade is on the northern aspect of the building to limit solar gain to the building. Glazing to the southern aspect is limited. The building shape is simple and the surface area is minimised. Heat loss is therefore minimised. Passive solar shading has been introduced to the building design by the overhanging roof on all sides of the building. This prevents the sun’s rays from penetrating into the building but allows good natural light. As the pools are the biggest energy user, intrinsically efficient systems to encourage water conservation have been implemented into the design.
As well as meeting the needs of elite swimmers the new centre will provide a range of leisure opportunities for the wider community. In 2013, the facility will host the aquatic element of the World Police and Fire Games and in 2014 provide training facilities for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. In addition a number of national events takes place annually.
At a time when public sector funds and discretionary services are under significant pressure, the Council was delighted with the new facility. The building is on track to maintain the BREEAM Excellent rating at the post-construction review. More than the effective DQI Mid-design assessment, it is also proposed to do a DQI assessment at operational stage to consider on-going policies and procedures in addition to existing building and fabric layout.