Works on Epping Aquatic Centre redevelopment to commence after swimming carnival season

The City of Parramatta has advised that the $26 million upgrade of the Epping Aquatic Centre will begin in May 2024 after the conclusion of the swimming carnival season.

With the Council having approved the lodgement of a Development Application for the project before Christmas, the ageing facility is set to be transformed with additional swimming facilities for the growing community that can be used year-round.

Advising that the council is committed to providing modern facilities for its residents,

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Pierre Esber explained “we're making our City the home of Sydney's best local swimming pools. We've opened our new Parramatta Aquatic Centre and are now turning our full attention to this $26 million upgrade for Epping.

"It will deliver a brand-new indoor pool changeroom facilities, a new grandstand and revamped kids play area, outdoor pool upgrades, fresh landscaping and improved accessibility throughout the facility while retaining what's special about this centre - its bushland setting.

"Once complete, these essential developments will allow current programs to expand, new swim courses to be introduced and more recreational spaces for families to enjoy as our community grows."

The formerly dilapidated facility was formerly owned by Hornsby Council, which was considering selling the pool before the 2016 amalgamations shifted it under the City of Parramatta’s control.

However, community group Save Epping Pool campaigned for it to be upgraded and improved.

Parramatta Councillor Lorraine Wearne said without the efforts of the Save Epping Pool group, the pool might not be usable, explaining “it looked like a cesspit. It had about 2 feet of water - if that - at the bottom of the pool, the water was black, it had furniture up-ended in the pool.

“The story that had been told for some years to people in the community was ‘it’s not possible to fix it, it’s unsafe, it’s going to slide down the hill’.’’

City of Parramatta Councillor and local state member Donna Davis said the pool would benefit residents living in high density housing adding “this is an idyllic location and one you have to experience and see to believe because it truly is an oasis in the heart of suburbia.”

The council will now go out to tender and pursue funding opportunities to deliver all three stages of the project.

Work is expected to take about 18 months to complete. During that time, the pool will be closed to the public.

Images: Concepts for the new Epping Aquatic Centre including its new indoor 25 metre pool (below). Credit: City of Parramatta Council.