Malabar Ocean Pool Amenities

ONGOING / Malabar, NSW

The Malabar Ocean Pool will have its very own toilets and change rooms for the first time.

The dedicated amenities building will also serve the millions of users of the Eastern Beaches Coastal Walkway with its spectacular views and experiences – from whale watching to Indigenous sites. The pool, a much valued and popular community asset, is located on the iconic walk and is one of the only ocean pools with step free access and a ramp from the pool concourse to the pool itself.

Careful siting minimises the impact in this highly valued natural landscape setting. The new amenities building has a public presence, located close to the pool path, threaded to the coastal walkaway and a car park above. But the small footprint and low key scale also displays sensitivity to the scenic setting.

Conceived as a sculptural element, the amenities have been carefully sited to reduce impact from the public domain, and yet still be located close to the pool. The facilities include an accessible toilet, two all-gender cubicles, services room, and two change rooms. A circular oculus lets light in, connects to the sky, casting playful circular shadows on the building façade.

Circular skylights amongst the roof planting provide natural light to the toilets below. Materiality was informed by public use and the coastal environment, with aluminium battens providing durability and colour, contrasting with robust off-form corrugated concrete roof edge and walls.

The pool is located on Bidjigal and Gadigal land, with Boora (Malabar Headland) a place for initiations and ceremony. Originally a natural pool, in 1909 an ocean pool opened but by 1957 it was deemed unfit for swimming due to sewage. After four decades of disuse local schools lobbied for upgrades and the pool reopened in 1997.

The amenities enhance the Malabar Ocean Pool experience by providing essential facilities that respect both the site’s cultural significance and natural beauty.

Project Team

Sam Crawford, Benjamin Chan, Justin Pak

Consultant Team

Engineer (Multi-disciplinary): JN
Geotech: JK Geotechnics
Hydraulic Engineer: InLine Hydraulic Services
Landscape Architect: Sue Barnsley Design
Town Planner: Planning Ingenuity
Access Consultant: Group DLA
BCA Consultant: Group DLA
QS: Mitchell Brandtman
Water Services: Opal Water Management

Council

Randwick City Council