Parramatta aquatic leisure centre design revealed

City of Parramatta Council has revealed the concept design for the new aquatic and leisure centre, following an announcement that the State Government and Council will co-fund the project.

The winning design for the aquatic centre – by Andrew Burges Architects, Grimshaw Architects, and McGregor Coxall – was chosen from a shortlist of four exceptional entries following a high-calibre international Design Excellence Competition.

“Congratulations to the consortium on their successful submission. I’m excited to see this project progressing and I look forward to working to ensure this first-class facility is delivered for the Parramatta community as soon as possible,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said.

“I’d also like to thank Mr Sidoti and the State Government for their valuable contribution to this significant project – an aquatic centre that meets the current and future needs of our rapidly growing population.

“Our vision is to have a high-quality facility in the heart of our City where locals and workers alike can learn essential water safety skills, as well as have somewhere to cool off in the hot summer months. The venue will also be used for swimming carnivals, training and competition, and will provide a range of additional health and wellness offerings all year round.”

The design of the aquatic leisure centre, which was informed by extensive community consultation, will feature a 10-lane 50m outdoor pool; 25m indoor pool; learn-to-swim facilities; café; fitness centre and parking facilities.

Unique features include sensitive integration with the site’s parkland surrounds, a generous use of space and light, as well as single-level accessible entry and pathways. The design also takes into account the heritage, topography and other constraints of the Mays Hill Precinct, Parramatta Park site.

“With more than a million visitors expected to use this facility each year, City of Parramatta Council is working hard to build a high quality, contemporary aquatic centre that will serve the needs of our community well into the future,” Cr Wilson said.

Minister for Sport John Sidoti said: “Parramatta deserves a pool which caters for competition, learn to swim classes, recreation and relaxation. The commitment of $38.5 million from the NSW Government will help make this happen.

“The NSW Government and Parramatta Council are on the same page when it comes to delivering an outstanding all-year-round aquatic facility that gives the community what they have asked for.”

Grimshaw Managing Partner Andrew Cortese said the consortium were pleased their concept for the aquatic centre has been selected as the winning design.

“The aquatic and leisure centre offers a rare opportunity to consider a new form of social space for Parramatta, the simple joys of swimming and playing, and gathering with family and friends. Our vision for the contemporary facility strikes a balance in providing for the needs of a growing and diverse community within a World Heritage-listed parkland setting,” Mr Cortese said.

“We look forward to working with Council in progressing the concept design for this new community facility.”

Further detailed design work will now be undertaken before the development application is lodged in 2020.