Inverell Aquatic Centre Grandstands

Client name: Hines Constructions

Project name: Inverell Aquatic Centre Grandstand Seating

Project Location: Inverell, New South Wales

Project Overview

The Inverell Aquatic Centre redevelopment is a major community infrastructure project designed to deliver modern, safe and inclusive aquatic facilities for the region. As part of the development, Hines Constructions required high-quality spectator seating solutions suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments — each with unique spatial, safety and engineering constraints.

Grandstands Australia was engaged to design, manufacture and supply custom aluminium grandstands that would integrate seamlessly into the aquatic centre while meeting strict construction timelines and performance requirements.

Requirement

A Dual Grandstand Solution with Complex Engineering Constraints

In early 2024, Grandstands Australia was contacted by Alan Vermeer from Hines Constructions (Bathurst) — a long-standing client with whom we have delivered numerous projects, including spectator and change room seating at the Queanbeyan Regional Sports Arena.

Having seen the recently completed GS4-30m 6-tier grandstands at Queanbeyan, Alan approached us regarding an upcoming project at the Inverell Aquatic Centre. The brief evolved through extensive consultation as budget, space constraints and technical requirements were carefully assessed.

The final scope required two distinctly different seating solutions:

• A straightforward outdoor grandstand servicing the external pool area.
• A highly customised indoor grandstand integrated into a complex building environment with under-floor services and air circulation requirements.

Solution

Custom-Engineered Indoor & Outdoor Aluminium Grandstands

Following detailed design coordination with Hines Constructions and project stakeholders, Grandstands Australia delivered a tailored dual-grandstand solution.

Outdoor Grandstand Solution

The outdoor seating requirement was addressed with a proven, robust system:

• GS4-18m, 6-tier aluminium grandstand
• Designed for durability, weather resistance and low maintenance
• Ideal for high-traffic aquatic environments
• Fully compliant with the Australian Building Code and safety standards

This solution provided generous seating capacity while maintaining clean sightlines and long-term structural performance.

Indoor Grandstand Solution – Custom GS5 Design

The indoor grandstand presented significantly greater complexity and required a modified GS5 system, custom-engineered to suit the building’s physical and mechanical constraints.

Key custom features included:

1. Custom 21.8m long, 3-tier configuration designed to precisely fit the available footprint
2. Non-standard tier dimensions:
   • Two lower tiers at 750mm wide
   • One upper tier at 500mm wide
3. Wall and floor-mounted construction to avoid interference with under-floor heating pipes
4. Vented risers to allow effective air circulation within the indoor aquatic environment
5. Mesh end barricades to:
   • Promote airflow
   • Prevent child access beneath the structure
6. Integrated wheelchair inclusion cut-out, ensuring accessibility and compliance

This bespoke solution demonstrates Grandstands Australia’s ability to adapt standard systems into highly specialised, fit-for-purpose infrastructure.

Manufacture & Delivery

• Project quoted: 11 September 2024
• Order placed: 17 October 2024

With a tight project timeline, the grandstands were prioritised through our manufacturing schedule to ensure delivery aligned with the construction program.

All components were manufactured in Australia using high-grade aluminium, ensuring precision fabrication, long-term durability and fast on-site installation.

Result

A High-Performance Seating Outcome for a Community Aquatic Facility

The completed grandstands at the Inverell Aquatic Centre deliver safe, comfortable and inclusive spectator seating across both indoor and outdoor areas.

Project outcomes include:

• Seamless integration with architectural and mechanical building systems
• Improved spectator experience for aquatic events and community use
• Durable, low-maintenance aluminium construction ideal for aquatic environments
• Inclusive design supporting accessibility and safety for all users
• A trusted delivery outcome reinforcing the long-standing partnership with Hines Constructions

This project highlights Grandstands Australia’s capability to deliver both standard and highly customised seating solutions, supported by engineering expertise, responsive collaboration and reliable manufacturing — even under demanding timelines. Additionally and importantly, our Grandstands are 100% Australian design and manufactured in our Sydney facility, and our Grandstands have a 20 year warranty.