Canberra Aquatic Centre

Funding: $137.8 million, jointly funded by the ACT and Australian governments.

A new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park will deliver year-round facilities for swimming, sport, wellness and community life.

Current update

• Site investigations began in mid-2025 and are informing design and planning.
• Broad community consultation was completed in 2025. Feedback is helping inform project planning and design. View the listening report.
• A Stakeholder Reference Group has been established. The group provides input from community, sporting and other stakeholder organisations.
• Feedback from the community consultation and the Stakeholder Reference Group will be captured in the business case.
• Once all feedback and technical inputs have been provided, the Government will review the business case to inform decisions about the project’s next stage.
• Construction is planned to begin within this term of government, subject to final business case and design and planning approvals.

Overview

The ACT Government is building a new aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park, close to Lake Burley Griffin and the City Centre. The site sits near cultural destinations and future light rail stops.

The centre will deliver as many uses as possible for the entire Canberra community.

It will provide spaces to swim, play, exercise and relax.

The centre is being designed for people of all ages and abilities.

Set among national landmarks, the centre will reflect thoughtful design, cultural respect and local pride.

The new aquatic centre will deliver on the concept vison for Commonwealth Park, developed by the National Capital Authority, following community consultation in 2025.

Community benefits

• Modern facilities that are inclusive and accessible.
• Spaces for families, community use and aquatic sport.
• A vibrant community hub in Commonwealth Park where people can swim, play, relax and connect.
• Better links between the City Centre, light rail, Acton Waterfront and nearby precincts.
• Sustainable design that reflects Canberra’s environment and culture.

Project features

• The scope of the project is subject to approval of the business case.
• The baseline option to be considered by Government in the business case is a like-for-like replacement of the aquatic amenity currently provided at the Canberra Olympic Pool, which provides an 8 lane 50 metre pool, toddler pool and external deep water dive pool.
• The new aquatic centre will have:
  • Change rooms designed for families and people of all abilities.
  • Indoor and outdoor spaces for year-round use.
  • Sustainable design that supports efficient energy and water use.

Stay up to date

If you have questions about this project, email the project team at InfrastructureCanberra@act.gov.au.