Community feedback sought on planned new Parramatta new aquatic centre

The City of Parramatta Council is seeking community feedback on a proposed model for a new aquatic centre.

Aiming to replace the former Parramatta War Memorial Pool – now demolished to make way for the new Western Sydney Stadium – the Council proposes to build a facility with four heated pools, a fitness centre, an all-abilities aquatic play park, on-site café, and parking for 200 cars.

Following extensive consultation and the completion of a draft feasibility study, the planned facility would include a 10 lane 50 metre outdoor pool, an outdoor leisure pool, a dedicated (indoor) learn to swim pool, and a 25 metre indoor pool to allow swimming all year round.

Planned for a site at Mays Hill in the historic Parramatta Park, consultations been undertaken with residents, the Parramatta Park Trust, the NSW government and other stakeholders to deliver, what the Council calls “a modern complex that meets the needs of a rapidly growing community.”

Commenting on the consultation, Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson stated “we know how important swimming facilities are to our community and their feedback has been integral in the development of the model Council is now considering for Parramatta’s new pool.

“The new aquatic leisure centre will be a significant investment for Council so we want to ensure that we achieve the best outcome for our City and its residents, and I encourage the community to have their say on the facilities we are proposing to include.”

Development of the new facility moved forward last month with the NSW Parliament passing legislation that allows Parramatta Council to take out a 50 year lease for the Mays Hill location of the former Parramatta Golf Course.

The legislation was criticised for allocation 20 hectares of Parramatta Park for the scheme rather than its two hectare footprint.

Earlier this year the NSW Government allocated $30 million for the new facility, although with additional planned features including diving facilities, a crèche, a hydrotherapy pool, water slides, increased parking and a multiuse indoor sports hall, its eventual cost may be considerably more.

Feedback from the community consultation will inform the business case for the facility, which will be considered by the council in December.

Submissions can be made up to 22nd November at www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/poolupdate. 

Image: The now demolished Parramatta War Memorial Pool. 

25th September 2017 - CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM

6th September 2017 - FUTURE OF FIVE SYDNEY AQUATIC CENTRES TO FEATURE IN COUNCIL BALLOT

5th July 2017 - NEW PARRAMATTA POOL UNLIKELY TO OPEN BEFORE 2020

31st March 2017 - NSW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION FUNDING COMMITMENT FOR NEW PARRAMATTA POOL 

1st March 2017 - PARRAMATTA STADIUM DEMOLITION MAKES WAY FOR NEW WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM

20th January 2017 - PARRAMATTA COUNCIL FACES FUTURE WITHOUT YEAR-ROUND SWIMMING POOL PROVISION 

22nd June 2016 - FORMER GOLF CLUB TO BE REDEVELOPED AS SITE FOR NEW PARRAMATTA AQUATIC CENTRE