Parramatta’s landmark aquatic centre set to make a splash

After six years in the making, the City of Parramatta’s $88.6 million swimming, fitness and wellness hub Parramatta Aquatic Centre has opened its doors to the community.

Located within Parramatta Park on the doorstep of the CBD, the Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) is a year-round destination where people can swim, train in the gym or relax in the steam, spa and sauna area.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Sameer Pandey said excited community members were lined up as doors opened to be among the first to explore the new world-class centre.

“The smiles on the faces of the kids splashing around says it all – this is a facility that will bring joy to our whole community,” Cr Pandey said.

“We’ve created a place where our community can have fun for generations to come. A place where kids will swim their first lap and race to victory at the swimming carnival, where future Olympians will be nurtured, where families can cool down on a long, hot summer day and where locals can train and wind down all year-round.”

Cr Pandey said the multi-purpose nature of the centre meant it was expected to attract more than one million visitors a year – about 10 times the annual visitation to the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre.

“There are so many reasons to visit the PAC – from taking the kids to swimming lessons or to cool down in our ‘splash and play’ area to training in one of the three pools, working out in the gym or taking a yoga class and then relaxing in the sauna afterwards,” Cr Pandey said.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “Parramatta Aquatic Centre provides western Sydney with a modern, state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs of the fast-growing region.

“The NSW Government’s $38.5 million investment ensures people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the benefits that swimming offers.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said: “Parramatta Aquatic Centre is an example of how State and Local government can work together for the benefit of the community.”

“After being involved in this project from its inception, it’s fantastic to be here today to celebrate its opening with the people who fought so hard to ensure Parramatta has an aquatic facility that serves the needs of the community.”

Designed by Grimshaw Architects, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall, and built by construction company Lipman, the PAC sits seamlessly in Parramatta Park’s lush surrounds.

Accessibility is at the forefront of its design with features including the City’s first all-abilities pool with ramps to enter the 50m and 25m pool and a level, beach-style entry into the water ‘splash and play’ zone. There are accessible change rooms; lifts and ramps to all indoor and outdoor areas and gym equipment suitable for people of all abilities.

The $88.6 million project was co-funded by Council and the NSW Government, which invested $38.5 million from the Restart NSW Fund and will employ more than 140 people.

For more information, visit thepac.au

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

PAC is open year-round except for Good Friday and Christmas Day.

You can book your visit online or pay for entry on arrival. Please note, PAC is a cashless facility.

It is accessible by cycleway, 15-minute walk from Parramatta Train Station and less than 500m from the nearest bus stop (811, 810 and T80 bus routes). Parking is available on-site and at a discounted rate for PAC users at the nearby Justice Precinct Parramatta Carpark.

QUICK FACTS

The new Parramatta Aquatic Centre covers 40,000 square metres and includes:

50m, 10-lane Olympic-sized heated outdoor pool with covered spectator seating 25m, 8-lane heated indoor recreational pool for lap swimming, squads and aqua fitness classes A program pool that will offer year-round learn-to swim indoor lessons and self-managed rehabilitation.  Indoor splash play area Spa, sauna and steam room facilities Fitness centre, featuring state-of-the-art cardio and resistance training equipment, and multiple group fitness rooms catering for yoga, Pilates, Zumba and cross training Café with casual seating that will serve indoor and outdoor spaces Creche operated by trained childcare professionals Separate family-friendly change rooms and amenities for indoor and outdoor activities Open park-like outdoor space for families to meet, gather and relax Venue hire for birthday parties featuring a separate birthday room