In brief:

• The ACT Government is planning a new aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park.
• You can share your feedback to shape early designs until 14 November.
• This article addresses many key questions you may have about the facility.

The Canberra Aquatic Centre will be built in the heart of Commonwealth Park.

It will feature a 50-metre lap pool, splash play areas and more.

The new centre will replace the aging Canberra Olympic Pool. It will also help meet the needs of a growing Canberra.

This is a joint project of the ACT and Australian Governments.

The planned Commonwealth Park location is conveniently close to bus stops and future light rail stops.

This landmark facility will be designed with Canberra’s community in mind. It will be a place for everyone, including:

• keen swimmers
• parents and young kids
• older adults who like to stay active
• those who simply enjoy being in the water.

In early 2025, the National Capital Authority (NCA) invited the community to give feedback on the Commonwealth Park Concept Vision 2025.

This highlighted the opportunity for an iconic aquatic facility to strengthen the park’s connection to water and landscape.

Tell us what you think?

Canberrans can now have their say on features to consider in the project’s design. Consultation is open via the YourSay Conversations website until November 14.

Keen to know more about the project? Read on for answers to some of the most common questions we’ve heard so far.

Why are we building the new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park?

Canberra’s increasing population requires a modern aquatic centre. It should be an all-weather facility everyone can enjoy.

The Canberra Olympic Pool (Civic Pool) was built in 1955. It has been a beloved part of life in Canberra for almost 70 years. However, it is reaching the end of its life, and a new Canberra Aquatic Centre will provide improved facilities for the community.

What facilities will the new Canberra Aquatic Centre include?

The project is in the early stages of design. We need to balance different priorities, and community needs when deciding how to use the proposed site and available budget.

The minimum scope includes a 50-metre pool and splash-play areas for kids and families.

Community and stakeholder feedback will help guide the design of the new centre. This way it will better reflect the needs and wants of the community.

What will happen to the Canberra Olympic Pool?

The new Canberra Aquatic Centre will replace the Canberra Olympic Pool. The Canberra Olympic Pool will stay open until the new Canberra Aquatic Centre opens. This way, there's always a pool available in the city.

The Canberra Olympic Pool site is currently being considered for a future Convention and Entertainment Centre Precinct.

Will the new Canberra Aquatic Centre be environmentally sustainable?

The new facility will focus on sustainability. It will use energy-efficient systems, and water wise technology.

While we're still in the early stages of design, we're looking at options like solar panels, energy-efficient heating and water-saving features.

How will we use design to create an inclusive place for all?

Inclusivity is a priority, and accessibility is a key part of the design. The facility will be designed to offer convenient access for all levels of mobility.

Accessible, welcoming and inclusive change rooms are also at the heart of the design.

The centre will focus on families and offer safe, easy-to-use facilities. There will be change rooms and safe play areas for children, parents and carers.

Can I visit the new Canberra Aquatic Centre all year round?

Yes, the new Canberra Aquatic Centre is being planned for year-round use.

Indoor facilities are part of the design, so people can swim and stay active even during Canberra’s colder months.

We’re aiming to make the centre comfortable and enjoyable in every season.

Why was Commonwealth Park chosen as the location?

Commonwealth Park is near the City Centre, public transport, famous attractions and landscape setting on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin. Surrounded by national institutions, the new aquatic centre will reflect design excellence, cultural respect and community pride.

A key design focus is to blend the Canberra Aquatic Centre into the landscape, respecting the beauty of Commonwealth Park.

The National Capital Authority has also marked this area as suitable for an aquatic facility in its Commonwealth Park Concept Vision 2025.

How will I get to the new Canberra Aquatic Centre?

We want everyone to easily reach the new Canberra Aquatic Centre. This includes those using public transport, cycling, walking or driving.

A new light rail stop at Commonwealth Park is being built as part of Light Rail Stage 2A. This will provide an additional public transport option.

There is also access to many rapid and local buses, making visits to the centre more convenient.

Parking is another way we’re designing for easy access, along with safe paths for walking and cycling.

As we plan for the site and budget, we must balance various priorities and community needs. This includes considering parking space available and ways to support active and public transport connections.

We’re also considering how the centre connects to nearby places like the City Centre and Lake Burley Griffin.

How do I share my thoughts on the design?

Visit the YourSay Conversations website before 14 November.

Read more like this:

• Dickson and Manuka pools reopen with upgrades
• New pool and convention centre for Canberra
• Construction begins on Light Rail Stage 2A

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