Parramatta Aquatic Centre by Grimshaw

Located in Mays Hill and developed by Parramatta City Council, the newly built Parramatta Aquatic Centre is on the land of the Burramattagal people of the Dharug nation. A project of this significance required collaborators willing to swim upstream for unparalleled success. Taking the lead within the design partnership, Grimshaw Architects relished the challenge.

The centre is built into the topography of the suburb, with facilities predominantly on one level, prioritising accessibility. It comprises a 50-metre outdoor pool, 25-metre indoor pool, learn-to-swim pool and children’s splash play area, as well as a sauna, steam room, gym, community and multipurpose rooms, cafe and carpark. Swimming areas are arranged around a central ring, while health and wellness facilities face Park Parade.

The circular structure, and its timber-clad walls, frames the outdoor space, paying note to the treetop views of Parramatta Park and Old Government House.

Within this ring sits the 50-metre pool, open to the elements. The circular structure, and its timber-clad walls, frames the outdoor space, paying note to the treetop views of Parramatta Park and Old Government House. There’s also a sense of nostalgia with the perfect blue of the swimming pool alongside a manicured lawn dotted with lemon-yellow umbrellas.

The 25-metre indoor pool sits inside a minimalistic space that focuses on material depth. Concrete dominates but is countered by the delicate, fluid qualities of light and water. Over the pool is a low, slanted ceiling of concrete crossbeams and UV-filtering skylights. Swimmers glide through dappled sunlight, with a striking patchwork of concrete and sky overhead. The splash play area features colourful steps, slides, water fountains and tunnels giving the impression of a joyful, squiggly drawing come to life from afar.

Concrete dominates but is countered by the delicate, fluid qualities of light and water.

Corridors, change rooms, bathrooms and gym spaces feature timber-clad walls and a natural colour palette of clay, dusty peach and gum leaf. Not only does the earthiness of this fit-out tie in nicely with the eucalyptus trees and the outdoor area, Parramatta Aquatic Centre also runs counter to tired notions of public pools, those that feel dated, neglected and come with an oppressive, chlorine-laced humidity. Instead, this suburban hub is a welcoming, easy-going community-first spot to gather and enjoy the simple pleasures of a pool in the sun.

Architecture by Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects. Build by Lipman. Landscape by McGregor Coxall. Structural and civil engineering by Stantec and Tonkin. Facade engineering by WSP. ESD engineering by Stantec and WSP. Mechanical and electrical engineering by Stantec. Hydraulic engineering by Harris Page & Associates. Development by City of Parramatta Council.