Names being considered for Parramatta’s new $88 million aquatic and leisure centre

Names are currently being considered for Parramatta’s new $88 million aquatic and leisure centre which is anticipated to be completed in early 2023. The new facility will replace the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre which was demolished in 2017.

Possible names are Parramatta Aquatic Recreation Centre, Barramada Aquatic Centre, Parramatta Aquatic Centre or a combination of Parramatta Pool and the Dharug name for the land it sits on.

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.

As reported in the Daily Telegraph, North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group spokeswoman Suzette Meade, who lobbied to save Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre from demolition, favours an indigenous name.

Meade advised “after what happened with the naming of Phive and the back and forth I think the community would be up for a First Nations name that’s got links to Parramatta because Phive doesn’t.

“This is on public land in a park and has public space and an enormous amount of history. I think it should have some actual connection to what Parramatta’s soul is, which is the Dharug people and the meeting place.’’

Meade also welcomes naming the 50metre pool after the war memorial pool. Like several other pools in NSW, such as Blacktown, Camden and Baulkham Hills, the Melbourne 1956 Olympics inspired Parramatta’s aquatic wonderland to open in 1959.

If the Dharug title option is selected, more consultation with the Aboriginal community will be undertaken before a recommendation returns to the council for approval.

The grandstand will be named the Kevin Hession Stand after the late member of the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Club, who died in 2020, aged 89.

Image: Concept for Parramatta’s new $88.6 million aquatic and leisure centre