The Fish Tank

Arcas Building Solutions was commissioned to deliver a new purpose-built facility – The Fish Tank – designed specifically for infants and toddlers to learn to swim in a safe, welcoming environment. The project also included a café, function rooms, and staff offices, creating a vibrant and family-friendly community hub.

Initially conceived as a two-storey development, the scheme was re-evaluated due to budget constraints. Arcas was appointed as the preferred contractor and worked collaboratively with the client’s team to redesign the project as a single-storey solution. Through a careful process of value engineering, the revised design met the client’s vision while remaining within the available funding.

The core of the facility is a state-of-the-art swimming pool housed within a modern steel-framed structure, clad with profiled metal sheeting and curtain walling to create a sleek, contemporary appearance. The building includes a pool hall, plant room, mixed and accessible changing facilities, a public café with its own accessible toilets, two multi-use function rooms, a children’s soft play area, and administrative offices for the centre’s staff.

A specialist swimming pool contractor, Hallam’s, was engaged early in the design process to ensure seamless integration of the pool, balancing tank, and ventilation systems into the building’s overall design. Hallam’s carried out the full pool construction, including all below-ground concrete works, providing a single point of accountability for this critical element.

Extensive external works were also delivered as part of the project, including the construction of a swale for on-site stormwater management, retaining walls, and ramped access to ensure full accessibility. Dedicated parking, soft landscaping, shrub planting, and turfing ensured the facility was not only functional but also welcoming and ready for immediate use upon completion.

This much-needed facility has become a valuable asset to the Newton Aycliffe area, providing a high-quality, inclusive environment for young children and families to enjoy swimming, play, and community activities.