The new Adelaide Aquatic Centre has officially opened after the $135 million redevelopment in North Adelaide, South Australia. The project replaced the former 50‑year‑old facility with a modern, state‑of‑the‑art centre featuring indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, splash zones, wellness areas and community spaces. Funded by the South Australian Government and built within the Park Lands at Pardipardinyilla/Denise Norton Park (Park 2), this completed facility now serves local residents, swimming groups, and visitors with a broad range of aquatic and fitness offerings. The centre delivers expanded recreational amenities and supports ongoing community programs

“We’re committed to delivering on our promise to the people of South Australia – a completely revitalized Adelaide Aquatic Centre,” emphasized Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Tom Koutsantonis.

It’s worth noting that the Council had sought funds from the State and Federal governments for the Aquatic Centre reconstruction.

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Adelaide Aquatic Centre’s $135 Million Evolution

The current Adelaide Aquatic Centre is a significant financial burden, incurring an annual cost of over $1 million for Adelaide City Council ratepayers. Nonetheless, the innovative design of the upcoming Aquatic Centre will reclaim over a thousand square meters, moving the new facility further from Barton Terrace West. This enhances its connection with the Park Lands and improves the overall environment for residents.

Koutsantonis emphasized that the plan, developed with input from users and the community, eases the burden on ratepayers.

In order to facilitate this exciting development and minimize the impact of construction on the Park Lands, the Government and the City of Adelaide have reached an agreement to close the existing Aquatic Centre during the major construction phase, from August 2024 until the anticipated completion in the Summer of 2025-26. During this temporary closure, current users, including those enrolled in learn-to-swim programs, will relocate to alternative facilities. The permanent staff of the center will be redeployed to different roles.

To alleviate the financial strain on families during the construction period, extra Sports Vouchers will also be provided to all participants in the Learn to Swim program at the existing Aquatic Centre.

In conclusion, the approval and imminent development of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre mark a significant milestone for South Australia.

Current Status: Centre Fully Operational

After major construction that commenced in February 2024 and continued through 2025, the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre opened to the public on 27 January 2026. More than 10,000 people registered for early access, and thousands have since used the facility’s pools and fitness spaces. Features include a 50 metre, 10‑lane indoor pool; a 25 metre, 8‑lane outdoor pool; dedicated warm‑water and learn‑to‑swim pools; a lagoon‑style outdoor pool; and multiple waterslides. Areas for relaxation, sauna and steam rooms, BBQ spaces, improved cycle and pedestrian connections, and a café also form part of the new centre. Operations are overseen by YMCA Aquatic, which manages both this facility and SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre at Oaklands Park. Minor finishing works such as landscaping and turf installation are continuing, but the center has been welcoming members and visitors since late January 2026.

The redevelopment of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre reflects broader investment in South Australia’s built environment. Notably, the $300M plan to revive landmark Adelaide site redevelopment at the former John Martin’s warehouse on North Terrace represents another significant construction initiative in the state’s CBD. This mixed‑use project aims to transform a long‑vacant urban block into residential, student and retail spaces while preserving heritage elements. Linking these two major developments provides insight into how Adelaide is reshaping its recreational, cultural and urban precinct.

Project Fact Sheet: Adelaide Aquatic Centre

Project Name: Adelaide Aquatic Centre Redevelopment

Location: Pardipardinyilla/Denise Norton Park (Park 2), North Adelaide, SA, Australia

Total Investment: $135 million (State Government funded)

Status: Completed and operational as of 27 January 2026

Construction Start: February 2024

Official Opening Date: 27 January 2026 (public access)

Operator: YMCA Aquatic (also manages SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre)

Key Features:

• 50 metre, 10‑lane indoor pool
• 25 metre, 8‑lane outdoor pool
• Warm‑water rehabilitation pool
• Dedicated learn‑to‑swim pool
• Lagoon outdoor pool and waterslides
• Indoor leisure zones and splash areas
• Sauna and steam rooms
• Lawn recreation and BBQ spaces
• Café and increased parking with pedestrian/cycle access links

Community Use: Swim classes, squad training, wellness and fitness facilities, recreational programs

Sustainability: Powered by 100 % certified renewable energy

Project Team

Client / Owner / Funding

• Government of South Australia — Client and funder of the AUD 135 million project, delivered through the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

Operator

• YMCA Aquatic — Appointed facility operator, managing community programs, memberships, and everyday centre operations.

Architectural Team

Lead Architects:

• JPE Design Studio — Principal architecture and design lead for the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
• Warren and Mahoney — Joint architectural partner shaping key design elements.
• Yellaka (Karl Winda Telfer) — Contributing architect providing cultural and contextual design input.

Engineering & Specialist Consultants

• Aquatic Engineering: MLEI Consulting Engineers (including Crackerjack Consulting Engineers) — Responsible for aquatic structures, hydraulic systems, balance tanks, water filtration and pool plant design.
• Civil & Structural Engineering: Mott MacDonald — delivered civil and structural engineering services for the centre.
• Services Engineering: Aurecon — Lead services engineering (MEP and related building systems).
• Cost Management: Rider Levett Bucknall — Cost planning and project cost management consulting.

Project Management

• Turner & Townsend (Australia) — Project management lead overseeing delivery program, coordination with DIT and consultant teams.

Main Contractor

• Sarah Constructions Pty Ltd — Principal builder appointed to construct the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre following a competitive tender process.