Milestone for world-class Adelaide Aquatic Centre

Tuesday, 8 August 2023

Construction of the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre has moved a step closer with a development application for the world-class facility lodged with the state’s planning authority.

Formal planning consent is required from the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) to construct the sustainably-designed facility, which will be built in Adelaide City northern Park Lands at Pardipardinyilla / Denise Norton Park.

The South Australian Government in June unveiled concept designs for the new facility following extensive consultation involving more than 1200 users, sporting groups and residents.

The $135 million facility will feature extensive indoor and outdoor pool areas, water slides, splash zones and lawned recreation spaces. It will also feature gym and fitness facilities, spa/sauna/steam room and improved community change rooms. In addition, 1000 square metres of land will be returned to the Park Lands.

The Planning Report lodged with SCAP confirms the building design and positioning have been carefully considered to respect the National Heritage values and integrate into the Park Lands setting.

The all-electric building will be powered using 100 per cent renewable energy and will be constructed using a selection of locally sourced, low carbon emission materials.

The number of car parks will increase from 266 at the existing centre to approximately 375 while the overall footprint of the facility will be smaller.

Provision in the car park will be made for multiple electric vehicle charging stations while the facility will have around 55 bicycle spaces.

As part of the SCAP process, people will have an opportunity to view the development application via the PlanSA website and provide their feedback. This follows the extensive engagement that has already occurred on the project.

The lodgement with SCAP follows approval being granted for a Code Amendment, which rezones the land to create a new Adelaide Aquatic Centre Sub Zone within the Adelaide Park Lands Zone.

The rezoning change under the Planning and Design Code aims to ensure the correct planning policies are in place to enable the new facility to be built, as well as return the existing centre to Park Lands.

An Expression of Interest is currently underway for potential builders to construct the facility.