Northern Territory’s ageing Palmerston Swimming and Fitness Centre to be transformed

The City of Palmerston - the second largest city in the Northern Territory located 20kms from the Darwin and boasting more than 35,000 residents – is transforming its ageing Palmerston Swimming and Fitness Centre into a contemporary and family friendly, water and lifestyle precinct.

The proposed SWELL (Swimming, Wellness, Events, Leisure, Lifestyle) master plan is part of Council’s strategic vision to provide Palmerston residents with a facility that offers a purpose built learn to swim and wellness program pool and family-friendly activity features for all ages and abilities, as well as an impressive adventure play zone.

The Palmerston Swimming and Fitness centre closed as of 20th August 2022 with anticipated completion of the project being towards the end of 2023. The facility will remain closed during this time to assist in a timely construction process.

Over 500 people visited the Palmerston Swimming and Fitness Centre in August for one last pool party celebration before the SWELL (Swimming, Wellness, Events, Leisure, and Lifestyle) project commenced construction.

City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell said the pool party was a fantastic way for Palmerston residents to send off a well-loved community facility.

"The event was a celebration of old and new and it’s important we acknowledge all that the pool facility has given the community over 30 years before we break ground on SWELL.

"It's exciting to think that some residents learnt to swim in this pool when it was brand new, and now their kids will be able to do the same once SWELL is complete."

The pool party featured a preview of the new SWELL facility, with a pop-up basketball court and inflatable water obstacle course taking centre stage.

"The community was in a party mood on Saturday and you could really feel excitement building for the new facility.”

The SWELL project is Palmerston’s largest infrastructure project to date and is set to transform the current aging Palmerston Swimming and Fitness Centre into a hub for leisure, wellness and fun.

The redevelopment works will include:

• refurbishment of the 50-metre pool

• a toddlers' zero depth and play pool

• a dedicated warm water program pool

• an events area

• basketball half court

• new and improved accessible toilets and change rooms

• aquatic play structure

• energy efficient, modern pool plant and equipment and shade features.

The complex is an important community hub, and the redevelopment will see it cater to a wider range of interests to support Palmerston’s growing population. 

Images: Concepts for the transformed Palmerston precinct. Courtesy City of Palmerston