The transformation of Blacktown Aquatic Centre is driven by a vision to create not just a world-class facility, but a vibrant heart for the community. We are committed to delivering a contemporary aquatic centre that caters to the diverse needs of Blacktown, providing exceptional spaces for learning, playing, training, competing, and relaxation – all while ensuring responsible and effective use of community resources. The project is in design development.
The enhanced facilities are designed with the entire community in mind, ensuring maximum value and accessibility:
Designed to welcome all:
Unrivalled Lane Capacity: The two side-by-side 50m pools offer extensive space for serious training and competition, fostering a healthy and active community.
Prioritising Learn-to-Swim: The new 25m indoor pool underscores the projects commitment to water safety and skill development for all ages.
Nurturing a Love of Water: The expanded outdoor water play area will provide joyful experiences for families and children, creating lasting memories within the community.
Supporting Health and Wellbeing: The enlarged gym facility offers diverse options for fitness, promoting a healthier lifestyle for individuals and groups.
Intuitive and Safe Design: The new entry and layout are designed for clarity and ensuring highly connective indoor and outdoor spaces
Community Gathering Space: The large pool hall, encompassing both the indoor 25m and 50m pools provides significant spectator seating, will be a central hub for large aquatic events with great connection to both the northern and southern outdoor aquatic facilities
Celebrating Community, Ensuring Value
Our design for the Blacktown Aquatic Centre is deeply inspired by the collective memories and spirit of this community, both past and present. We believe that design excellence should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to the people it serves and mindful of the values of the community.
Honouring Our Roots: We pay tribute to the continuing ancient connection to Country for the Dharug people. We also acknowledge the history of the original 1961 centre, built by and for locals, and its enduring service to the community. Our design thoughtfully integrates these rich cultural threads, ensuring the new facility resonates with the community’s identity.
A Welcoming and Optimistic Heart: The revitalized centre will be a welcoming and optimistic place, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. By thoughtfully stitching together elements of the past, present, and future, we aim to create a remade fabric that strengthens the bond between the community, water, and each other.
Respectful References, Modern Efficiency: Recognisable references to the 1960s architecture, such as the arched concrete roofs will set this center apart, providing a sense of familiarity and continuity.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection: Extensive glazing will create visual transparency and a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, maximizing natural light with a focus on reducing energy consumption.
Acoustically Considered Spaces: The elegant pool hall interiors with curvaceous ceilings are designed not only for visual appeal but also for excellent acoustics, creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all users.
Dynamic Forms, Enduring Quality: Dynamic sculptural forms, echoing both the existing buildings and the natural environment, will create a visually engaging and inspiring space. We are committed to using high-quality materials and construction methods to ensure the facility stands the test of time, providing lasting value for the Blacktown community.
Our vision is to deliver a Blacktown Aquatic Centre that is not only a landmark facility but also a testament to thoughtful design that prioritizes community connection, accessibility, and responsible stewardship of resources. We believe this revitalized centre will be a source of pride for Blacktown for generations to come.
Blacktown Aquatic Centre is a Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants project.
COOP Studio are co authors on this project.