Work on Parramatta's new $88.6 million state-of the-art aquatic centre is going swimmingly with the centre's four pools now filled with more than 2.5 million litres of water.
Located within Parramatta Park on the doorstep of the CBD, the Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) will be a year-round destination for swimming, fitness and wellness for the whole community to enjoy.
"This marks a major milestone for the Parramatta Aquatic Centre which will be a fantastic asset for our growing community," City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Sameer Pandey said.
"Anticipation is building for the opening in Spring. Now we have the pools filled, we're working hard to put in the finishing touches, complete landscaping and test operations.
"By the time the weather warms up, Parramatta will have a brand new place to cool down.
"Our new aquatic centre will be a place where local kids learn to swim their first lap and potentially a training ground for our next Olympians."
Once complete, the centre will include four pools - these are a 10-lane, 50m outdoor pool; 25m indoor pool; indoor learn-to-swim pool; indoor water playground; spa, steam and sauna facilities; café; fitness centre; multipurpose community rooms; and onsite parking.
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said: "Parramatta Aquatic Centre will cater for competition, learn to swim classes, recreation and relaxation. The NSW Government is proud of its $38.5 million investment to provide an aquatic facility that serves the needs of the Parramatta community year-round."
Member for Parramatta and City of Parramatta Councillor, Donna Davis said: "Parramatta Aquatic Centre is an exceptional recreational facility that will meet the needs of our community today and into the future. I'm proud to have been involved every step of the way in the delivery of a project that will benefit people of all ages and abilities."
Foundation Memberships for the Parramatta Aquatic Centre are selling fast. Memberships will provide access to all facilities, including the pool, gym, spa, steam and sauna facilities and group fitness classes. Other benefits include two hours free parking, locker access and a creche.
Recruitment is now underway for more than 150 jobs across swim, gym and operational roles.
Designed by Grimshaw Architects, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall, and built by construction company Lipman, the new aquatic centre will sit seamlessly in Parramatta Park's lush surrounds.
PAC boasts a sustainable design including 358 rooftop solar panels, generating around 273 megawatts per hour in energy savings annually; automated, natural ventilation in the fitness centre instead of air-conditioning; three rain gardens; rain tank for onsite irrigation; skylights which filter harmful UV, maintains temperature and absorbs sounds; LED lights and sustainably harvested blackbutt timber.
The PAC is due to open in Spring 2023.
The project is being co-funded by Council and the NSW Government, which is investing $38.5 million from the Restart NSW Fund.
