Aquatic Centre - frequently asked questions

Why is the City developing a new aquatic centre?

City of Parramatta is changing. Our community is expected to double in size to almost 400,000 residents by 2036. As one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW, our City needs a contemporary aquatic centre to meet our community’s needs now and for many years to come. The new community facility reflects Council’s vision for Parramatta - liveable, productive, sustainable and leading, both now and in the future.

In addition, aquatic centre facilities play an important role in providing health and wellbeing benefits for our community across all age groups, abilities, backgrounds, skills and interests. Community facilities, such as the Parramatta aquatic centre, are an important part of our City and act as a meeting place for a diverse and interactive community.

Why was the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool closed?

The Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool, a much-loved traditional outdoor-only facility, was closed in March 2017 to allow for the development of CommBank Stadium. The new, larger stadium required a greater surrounding radius, including circulation zones for pedestrian and emergency vehicle access.

Where will the new aquatic centre be located?

The Parramatta aquatic centre, strategically located close to Parramatta’s CBD, is within the southern domain of the May’s Hill precinct of Parramatta Park. This location was decided as part of a comprehensive masterplan, following community consultation, on the 20 hectare Mays Hill Precinct.

The Parramatta aquatic centre will sit on the eastern portion of the former golf course, adjacent to Park Parade near the corner of Pitt Street. Part of the design brief for the new centre was to respect the open space and heritage values and district vistas from the parkland.

For more information, visit the Mays Hill Precinct Master Plan on the Parramatta Park website.

What was the vision for the Parramatta aquatic centre?

The Parramatta aquatic and leisure centre reflects Council’s vision for Parramatta - liveable, productive, sustainable and leading, both now and in the future.

The multipurpose, sustainable and smart project was designed to be more than a swimming facility. It will be a new form of social space for the community – a place to gather with family and friends, swim and play, and enhance the community’s health and wellbeing.

Who designed the Parramatta aquatic centre?

The design for the new aquatic centre was completed by Andrew Burges Architects, Grimshaw Architects and McGregor Coxall Landscape Architects. The consortium was chosen from a shortlist of four exceptional entries following a high-calibre international Design Excellence Competition.

What features will be included in the new aquatic centre?

Designed by Andrew Burges Architects, Grimshaw Architects and McGregor Coxall, the aquatic centre takes into account the heritage, topography and other constraints of the Mays Hill Precinct and incorporates a generous use of space and light.

Features include:

• 50m, 10-lane heated outdoor pool with shaded seating
• 25m, 8-lane heated indoor recreational pool
• dedicated, heated indoor Learn to Swim pool
• indoor splash play area
• range of indoor and outdoor change rooms and facilities
• multipurpose community rooms
• sauna, steam and spa facilities
• fitness centre, including a modern gym and program rooms
• modern café
• 186 at-grade parking spaces.

The facility will be sensitively integrated with the site’s Parramatta Park surrounds. The striking ring enclosure, and primary identifying design element, takes inspiration from both the history of farm enclosures and river swimming enclosures along the Parramatta River.

Will the aquatic centre be accessible?

All visitors to Parramatta’s aquatic and centre will have equal access. Accessible features have been incorporated in the facility’s design. These include:

• universally accessible change facilities for people of all ages and abilities;
• accessible lift and ramps to all indoor and outdoor areas;
• ramps in 50m and 25m pools, and zero-depth entry in the splash play zone.

Council wants everyone to be able to enjoy its new community facility so accessibility is at the forefront of planning and design.

Who is building the aquatic centre?

City of Parramatta appointed Lipman in March 2021 as the contractor for Parramatta’s new $88.6 million aquatic and leisure centre. Lipman is an Australian family-owned commercial builder that has operated in Sydney for more than 55 years.

It has proven experience in delivering aquatic and leisure facilities, including Raging Waters Sydney (formerly Wet’n’Wild) and Trinity Grammar Aquatic Centre, as well as key public infrastructure such as Parramatta’s O’Connell Street Public School.

How much will the new facility cost?

The aquatic centre project is being funded by City of Parramatta and the NSW Government, which is investing $38.5 million from the Restart NSW Fund.

Council, on top of its initial commitment of $38.5 million, is investing an extra $11.6 million to increase the facility’s capacity and future-proof it to accommodate Parramatta's rapid growth. Expected to be completed in 2023, the new facility will cost $88.6 million.

When will the new aquatic centre open?

Council is investing in our community’s future and will deliver one of the best aquatic centres in the country. This once-in-a-generation project is well underway and expected to be completed in 2023.

How can I receive updates on the pool’s progress?

To receive updates on the progress of Parramatta’s aquatic centre project, email poolupdate@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au with your name and suburb.