AUSTRALIA: Following an extensive redevelopment, the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre on Queensland’s southern Gold Coast has implemented a comprehensive JBL Professional audio system, providing flexible, venue-wide sound reinforcement across one of the region’s most diverse community recreation facilities.

The upgraded centre now features a 50-metre pool alongside a learn-to-swim pool, hydrotherapy pool, splash pad, gymnasium, group fitness studios, café, crèche and a range of community spaces. With multiple activities taking place simultaneously throughout the venue, the City of Gold Coast required an audio solution capable of delivering clear announcements, background music and localised communication without disrupting neighbouring areas.

Working together, The Prestige Group and MadisonAV designed and integrated a JBL Professional system that extends well beyond the basic paging infrastructure originally specified for the project. At the heart of the installation is a multi-zone architecture supporting more than 40 independent audio zones, enabling venue staff to manage music and announcements independently across different areas according to operational requirements.

To address the centre’s varied acoustic environments, the system incorporates 12 JBL Professional CBT 70J column loudspeakers in large open spaces where controlled coverage and speech intelligibility are critical. JBL Professional AWC82 all-weather loudspeakers have been deployed throughout the pool halls and other moisture-prone environments to ensure reliable performance under demanding conditions, while JBL Professional Control Series ceiling and surface-mount loudspeakers provide distributed audio coverage across the gymnasium, fitness studios and ancillary spaces.

Designed to withstand the humidity, chlorine exposure and fluctuating occupancy levels associated with aquatic facilities, the distributed loudspeaker system delivers consistent performance across both indoor and outdoor environments while supporting the centre’s broad range of recreational, fitness and community activities.

The installation enables staff to independently manage announcements and background music across more than 40 audio zones, allowing simultaneous activities to take place without audio spill affecting adjacent spaces. The result is consistent speech intelligibility and balanced background audio throughout the complex, supporting day-to-day operations while enhancing the visitor experience.