Palm Beach Aquatic Centre on the Gold Coast, Australia has installed a venue-wide JBL Professional audio system as part of a major redevelopment of the community facility.
The system was designed and integrated by The Prestige Group, working with MadisonAV, to support clear communication, background music and zone-specific announcements across indoor and outdoor areas.
The City of Gold Coast reopened Palm Beach Aquatic Centre in October 2024 following the redevelopment. Alongside the existing 50m pool, the facility now includes a learn-to-swim pool, hydrotherapy pool, splash pad, gymnasium, group fitness studios, café, crèche and community gathering spaces.
With multiple activities taking place at the same time, the venue required an audio system that could operate across different areas without disrupting adjacent spaces.
The Prestige Group developed a multi-zone design with more than 40 independent audio zones, allowing staff to manage announcements and music according to the needs of each area.
The installation includes 12 JBL CBT 70J column loudspeakers in large open spaces where controlled coverage and speech intelligibility were key. JBL AWC82 all-weather loudspeakers were installed in pool halls and moisture-exposed areas, while JBL Control Series ceiling and surface-mount loudspeakers were used in fitness areas, studios and ancillary spaces.
The system was specified to withstand the environmental demands of an aquatic centre, including humidity, chlorine exposure and changing occupancy levels.
Nathan Wright, project manager at The Prestige Group, said: “The CBT70s are very focusable, with even dispersion. They integrate cleanly with the architecture, deliver strong full frequency performance, and are well suited to the environmental conditions.”
Nick Screen, VP and GM, Harman Professional Solutions APAC, said aquatic and community venues place specific demands on audio systems, from environmental durability to consistent sound across multiple zones.
Since reopening, Palm Beach Aquatic Centre has reported strong community engagement across its aquatic, fitness and recreational programmes. The audio system supports daily operations, programming and visitor communication across the site.