Construction commences on Parramatta’s new aquatic and leisure centre

Construction on Parramatta’s new $88.6 million aquatic and leisure centre is officially underway following the appointment of a builder for the new community aquatic and recreation facility.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer today joined Dr Geoff Lee, State Member for Parramatta, and representatives from construction firm Lipman to turn the first sod at Mays Hill in Parramatta Park, marking an exciting next step of the much-anticipated project.

Mayor Dwyer advised “this is a historic moment for the people of Parramatta, as work begins on one of the country’s best public aquatic and leisure centres in Australia’s best city.

“We know the community has been eager to get back into the water, so 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.”

Dr Lee, recently confirmed as NSW Minister for Sport, said Parramatta has been waiting for the new facility, which will replace the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre which was demolished in 2017.

He stated “Parramatta deserves a pool which caters for competition, learn-to-swim classes, recreation and relaxation. This aquatic centre will be the envy of communities all over the state.

“It will be a complex with versatility designed to meet the needs of Parramatta now and in the future for decades to come.”

Lipman Chief Executive, Rob MacKee added "Lipman is thrilled to be delivering the Parramatta aquatic and leisure centre - a flagship project for Western Sydney. We look forward to working closely with City of Parramatta Council to help make it one of Sydney’s most iconic aquatic and leisure facilities, and seeing it thrive for many years to come."

Expected to be completed in early 2023, the project is being co-funded by the City of Parramatta and the NSW Government, which is investing $38.5 million from the Restart NSW Fund.

The 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.

The centre has been designed to integrate into Parramatta Park and will include a 10-lane, 50 metre outdoor pool; 25 metre 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.

Solar panels will also be installed on sections of the centre’s roof, generating approximately 142,000 kilowatts of power annually, while more than 500 trees indigenous to the area will be planted.

Mayor Dwyer concluded “this is a once-in-a-generation project and we are making sure it goes the distance. We are investing more to meet the growing demands of our city.”

Images: Concepts for Parramatta’s new $88.6 million aquatic and leisure centre (top and middle) and NSW Minister for Sport, Dr Geoff Lee and City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer speak at today's sod-turn ceremony for the new facility (below).