New Parramatta Pool unlikely to open before 2020

The development of a new regional aquatic centre in Parramatta is unlikely to be completed before 2020 and its cost is likely to rise above $60 million.

Following recent community feedback on the type of facility that should be built to replace the now demolished Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool, residents have called for the new centre to accommodate four pools – a diving pool, 10-lane Olympic pool, remedial pool and a toddlers’ pool.

Nearly 2000 people gave their feedback through a mix of focus groups, stakeholder interviews and surveys with respondents calling for other recreational and fitness facilities within the centre.

With the former pool demolished to make way for the new Western Sydney Stadium, in March the NSW Government announced a $30 million funding commitment for a new aquatic centre.

However, the cost of a facility that meets residents’ demands is likely to be double that.

The development would cost more if an underground car park is included while a recent Council report suggests that its earliest opening date is likely to be 2020.

The most likely site for the new facility is on the old golf course in Parramatta Park.

This week has also seen the NSW Government make new appointments to the Parramatta Park Trust with Western Sydney Wanderers’ founding Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman and Buildcorp Principal Josephine Sukkar joining the Trust for four-year terms.

Gorman (pictured above), who is the current Cronulla Sharks Chief Executive and was previously Head of the A-League and Executive Chairman of the Central Coast Mariners, has also been appointed as the Trust’s Chairperson.

His appointment is giving rise to concerns that the new Western Sydney Stadium will be integrated as part of Parramatta Park, which may see the Park lose its UNESCO World Heritage Listing.

Parramatta Park, established in 1857, is one of 11 sites that form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property inscribed on World Heritage List. The 85-hectare site includes the oldest remaining public building in Australia, Old Government House.

The Trust was established in 2001 to maintain and improve the Park, encourage the use and enjoyment of the land and ensure its natural and cultural heritage are protected.

Images: The former Parramatta Golf Club (top) and Lyall Gorman (below).

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 

8th December 2016 - POPULOUS DESIGN CHOSEN FOR NEW PARRAMATTA STADIUM 

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

26th November 2014 - LYALL GORMAN NAMED CRONULLA SHARKS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE