The What We Heard Report summarises feedback captured from the community and key stakeholders during consultation between 29 September to 14 November 2025.

Over 1,600 contributions were provided by Canberrans and stakeholders through an online survey, open comment field, email submissions and in person at pop-up events. Canberrans told us that the new Canberra Aquatic Centre should be a modern and inclusive facility, incorporate fun water areas and family friendly spaces, support sporting use and consider parking availability and convenient access.

Read the report.

The next step in the project is the development of a concept design, which will confirm the final scope for the project.

This work will occur throughout 2026 and will inform a business case for Government consideration later in the year. Consultation findings will be an important input into this work, alongside critical factors such as cost and site suitability.

As the project moves into more detailed design, the focus will be on understanding what can be delivered within the available budget and proposed site.

As reference design work has progressed, it has become increasingly clear that a 10‑metre competition‑level diving platform is not feasible for the proposed site, nor could it be built within the project budget without sacrificing other important elements of the project.

The reference design process and subsequent business case will provide advice on options for multifunctional designs that feature a deep-water pool suitable for aquatic sports like water polo and underwater rugby. This will also explore how diving facilities such as a 5-metre platform and 3-metre and 1-metre springboards may be incorporated.

The ACT and Australian governments have jointly committed $137.8 million to plan and deliver a new Canberra Aquatic Centre to meet the needs of our growing population and replace aging aquatic facilities across the city.

Planned for the heart of Commonwealth Park, near future light rail stops, a new Canberra Aquatic Centre will be a place for Canberrans to enjoy. Whether you’re a keen swimmer, a parent with young kids, an older adult who likes to stay active, or someone who simply enjoys being in the water. The project aims to design a facility that reflects the Canberran’s priorities, delivering a multi-use facility that can be enjoyed year-round.

The new Canberra Aquatic Centre will create a modern, inclusive community hub in the city centre—well‑connected by public transport and active travel – helping to activate the lakefront with more reasons to visit, stay and connect.

Designed to serve the whole community, the project will support everyday swimming, learn‑to‑swim programs, rehabilitation and wellness, social connection and events—helping more Canberrans enjoy healthy, active lives. It will also strengthen the city’s broader sport and recreation network, complementing existing facilities and creating new opportunities for participation.

Construction is planned to begin in 2027, subject to final design and planning approvals.

The existing Canberra Olympic Pool, built in 1955, has been a much-loved part of Canberra life for nearly 70 years. It has hosted everything from school carnivals and swim squads to casual family visits, making it a place of sport, recreation, and social connection. Around 145,000 people use the facility each year, including both locals and visitors from interstate.

As Canberra grows, so does the community’s need for modern aquatic spaces that are inclusive, flexible, and welcoming all year round. The new Canberra Aquatic Centre will respond to these needs by creating facilities that can support everyone.

It will also play a role in shaping Canberra’s future:

• Supporting sport and events by providing facilities that can cater for both community swimming and events (for example school carnivals).
• Creating stronger links with the Acton Waterfront and light rail, ensuring the facility is well-connected and easy to access.
• Unlocking opportunities at the existing Canberra Olympic Pool site to facilitate an expanded Convention and Entertainment Centre precinct.
• Showcasing sustainability leadership, setting a benchmark for environmentally responsible public infrastructure in the ACT.

The new Canberra Aquatic Centre represents an opportunity to deliver something that is both functionally outstanding and symbolically significant, a place of vitality, reflection, pride, and connection for all Canberrans and visitors.