Planning a New Aquatic Leisure Centre for Parramatta

On 31 March 2017, the NSW Government announced that it will contribute $30 million for a new aquatic leisure centre, providing certainty that a new pool will be built in the City.

Following this announcement, City of Parramatta will now identify additional funding options of up to $30 million to be provisionally allocated to the project to ensure that the design and facilities of the new aquatic centre meet the expectations of the community and the future needs of our growing City.  Strategies to fast-track delivery of the new centre will also be considered.

Council recently completed the first phase of consultation to capture the needs and priorities of the community and pool users in relation to the features and priorities of the new centre. These results will be considered as concept options are developed along with further feasibility and financial analysis.

Over 3,000 people participated in a range of activities including intercept surveys, on-line survey, stakeholder interviews, workshops, phone survey and youth event, providing a range of valuable input. The key conclusions supported were:

• A modern facility capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly growing local population.
• Affordability – a space that offers low-cost options for a quick workout or a family day out.
• A combination of outdoor and indoor pools – offering year round opportunities.
• Complementary recreational facilities and services with the focus on aquatics.
• Inclusivity – access for people of all physical abilities and suited for competent and learning to swim users.
• Accessibility – by car, public transport and walking.
• Being uniquely Parramatta – sympathetic with the natural landscape and reflecting the cultural and heritage values of the site.
• Contemporary facilities – including comfortable and modern change rooms, hot showers, and good, affordable food and beverage options.

Council and Parramatta Park Trust are moving closer to finalising a site for the new centre with the Trust undertaking further consultation with the community on Stage 2 of the Mays Hill Precinct Master Plan.

For further background on the potential sites identified for the new centre see the Stage 2 Draft Design Principles and Concepts and Aquatics Site Suitability Study.

Council expects to receive a further report in July 2017 on the preliminary results of the feasibility study, progress of the Mays Hill Precinct Master Plan, funding options and strategies to fast track delivery of the aquatic centre project.

Receive future updates on both the planning of a new aquatic leisure centre and on interim swimming arrangements:
e: poolupdate@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au with your name, phone number and suburb
p: 1300 617 058

1. Why is the Parramatta Swimming Centre closing?
State Government has directed that the Parramatta Swimming Centre will be closing on 31 March 2017 to make way for the new Western Sydney Stadium. The new stadium will be a larger venue requiring a greater surrounding radius, including circulation zones for pedestrian and emergency vehicle access. 

2. Where can we swim after the closure on 31 March 2017?
City of Parramatta is investigating interim and alternative arrangements to ensure ongoing access to aquatic facilities for the community until a new centre is planned such as constructing temporary indoor options and reciprocal arrangements with neighbouring facilities. City of Parramatta has allocated $1 million for interim aquatic facility options and is working with Macarthur Girls High School and the NSW Department of Education to find ways to improve capacity for learn-to-swim programs. 

3. When will the new aquatic leisure centre be opened?
There is a lot of work to be done in planning the new centre before construction can begin. City of Parramatta is working closely with the Parramatta Park Trust and the State Government to deliver this project to the community as soon as possible.

4. Where will the new aquatic leisure centre be located?
Within the Mays Hill Precinct, two potential sites in have been identified in the site suitability study undertaken by City of Parramatta and investigations are continuing to confirm a preferred location through the precinct master plan: 

• corner of Park Parade and Pitt Street (north of Jubilee Avenue walkway)
• current Parramatta High School oval site (adjacent Pitt Street)

If one of these two sites are proven feasible, this means that aquatic services would remain in Parramatta Park and maintain similar proximity and access to the Parramatta CBD, nearby residents and public transport options. If the oval site is chosen, a new sports fields for Parramatta High School would need to be identified in the Mays Hill Precinct.

Parramatta Park Trust is seeking community views on a preferred location as part of their planning on the Mays Hill Precinct Master Plan. For more information on the Master Plan, please visit their website or contact them on:
p: 02 9232 9500
e: projects@newgateengage.com.au

5. How can I contact Western Sydney Stadium?
p: 1800 962 221
e: westsydstadium@lendlease.com