The long-awaited Parramatta aquatic and leisure centre is officially underway, with a sod turning ceremony marking the next step in the project’s progress.
The $88.6 million facility is slated to open in 2023, six years on from the closure and demolition of the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre, which made way for the $300 million Bankwest Stadium development.
The O’Connell Street Swimming Centre was opened in 1959 in honour of those who had lost their lives in World War II.
Its demise in 2017 sparked significant community outcry with loss of heritage, sweltering summers and the impact on migrants’ ability to learn to swim at the forefront of their public campaign.
The residents of Parramatta have since been without a public swimming centre and will be until the new facility at the Mays Hill Precinct, Parramatta Park opens in two years.
Parramatta MP Geoff Lee acknowledged the process has been slow but said it was about getting it right for the residents of Parramatta.
“I want to apologise to the people of Parramatta; it has been a difficult four years and there has been a lot of controversy,” he said.
“In hindsight we could have done things faster but obviously in the complex nature I think the Council has been good, they put in extra money.
“It takes a while to design; we’re in a heritage precinct… it’s important to get the design right.”
The new 40,000 square metre aquatic and leisure centre will feature a 10-lane, 50m outdoor pool; 25m indoor pool; indoor learn-to-swim pool; indoor water playground; spa and sauna facilities; café; fitness centre; multipurpose community rooms; and up to 200 parking spaces.
Australian-owned company ‘Lipman’ has been selected to lead the project’s build.
Some of their previous aquatic projects include Raging Waters at Prospect and Trinity Grammar Aquatic Centre.
Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said, once delivered, the centre will be an “iconic landmark and gathering place for the city”.
“I’m excited that City of Parramatta Council has teamed up with respected and experienced builder Lipman to ensure we deliver a first-class facility as soon as possible,” he said.
The project is being co-funded by Council and the State 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.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.