Council reveals design details for new Parramatta aquatic centre

Parramatta Council has revealed artist’s impressions and a 3D flythrough animation for its new $77 million aquatic and leisure centre as the project reaches a milestone - the impressions and animation were unveiled after Council lodged the Development Application (DA) for major works on 13th May 2020.

The  project is scheduled for completion in 2023, and is being co-funded by the NSW Government with the support of Parramatta Park Trust.

Designed by Grimshaw Architects, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall, the aquatic and leisure centre will feature a 50-metre, 10-lane outdoor pool with seating; a 25-metre, indoor recreational pool; an indoor Learn to Swim pool; indoor water playground; a range of change rooms and bathrooms; multipurpose community rooms; spa and sauna facilities; a fitness centre, including a modern gym and program rooms; cafe; and 200-plus parking spaces.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer advises “the submission of the Development Application for the aquatic and leisure centre marks another key step forward for this much-anticipated project. It’s exciting to see it all coming together.

“The people of Parramatta are keen to see this significant community facility built, and Council is working hard to deliver it as soon as possible.”

NSW Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee added “we are a step closer in our partnership with Parramatta Council to delivering a state-of-the-art sporting and recreational facility for Western Sydney. This aquatic centre will cater for competition, Learn to Swim classes, recreation and relaxation and will be the pride of Parramatta.”

Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer also advised “over the last few months, we have been working closely with our team of architects and key community stakeholders to ensure the facility will meet the needs of our growing population, while also taking into account the heritage restrictions of the site and staying on budget.

“With indoor and outdoor heated pools and a wide range of wellbeing and fitness amenities on offer, this impressive centre will no doubt be enjoyed all year round by competitive and recreational users of all ages.”

Situated in the Mays Hill Precinct of Parramatta Park, the aquatic and leisure centre has been designed to sensitively integrate with the site’s parkland surrounds. The striking circular design also works to minimise noise and reduce impact on nearby residents, and provides expansive sightlines for better supervision across the facility.

Architect Andrew Burges said the design aims to integrate the project into Parramatta Park, while providing a unique and functional space to train, compete and play.  

Burges notes “we believe that blending it into the natural park setting will really broaden the appeal of the Parramatta aquatic and leisure centre and make it a popular and enjoyable experience for Parramatta’s diverse and growing community.”

Lord Mayor Dwyer said he was looking forward to seeing this valuable community project progress over the coming months and thanked the people of Parramatta for their ongoing patience commenting “it’s a long journey, but every step gets us closer to the finish line.”

To view 3D flythrough animation click here

Images: Artist Impressions of Parramatta’s new aquatic and leisure centre