Ashfield Aquatic Centre

The Ashfield Aquatic Centre has officially re-opened and Inner West locals are making a splash at the redeveloped facility.

Inner West Council serves a vibrant community of over 190,000 people.

Just in time for Summer, all locals can now enjoy the benefits of the accessible, state-of-the-art aquatic centre, delivered by FDC in October 2020.

After 55 years in operation and over 11.5 million visitors passing through its gates, the much-loved facility closed its doors in early 2018 to undergo the major redevelopment; so, it’s not surprising the local Inner West community is thrilled to see the facility reopen.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the opening ceremony was live-streamed by Inner West Council. Watch it now here.

The FDC Construction project team, led by Project Manager Peter Blood and Site Manager Michael McAndrew, have delivered a high-tech community facility that will provide many years of joy and activity to the people of the Inner West.

A key feature of the innovative facility is the moveable floor seen in one of the outdoor pools, which can change its depth up to 2.1 metres.

This flexibility allows for a wide range of aquatic programs, including water polo and learn to swim, to take place in the one pool.

The new and improved 15,000sqm Ashfield Aquatic Centre features:

Disability access to all pools and the gym
A new 50 metre outdoor pool
An additional outdoor program pool with an innovative floating floor
A new children’s leisure pool with landscaping and green walls
New sauna, steam room and spa facilities
An improved entrance with a dedicated customer service area, change rooms, crèche and a retail space
A new health and fitness centre
New community meeting room facilities
A community green space, covered seating, landscaped areas and terraces
Increased parking spaces.

The community was asked to help create a vision for the redevelopment, with Inner West Council engaging centre users, clubs and the wider community during May and June 2017.

The outcomes of community consultation informed the redevelopment design.

“Council was determined to get this once in a lifetime opportunity right – to transform Ashfield Pool into a first-class facility for the whole community to enjoy for generations to come,” Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said back in 2018.

The facility is also home to a new public artwork by internationally renowned artist Georgia Hill.

The large abstract artwork, named Ripple Through, is in the unique medium of powder-coated metal louvers and speaks to the history and importance of its surrounding environment.

FDC were proud to deliver this landmark facility for Inner West Council along with architect Brewster Hjorth Architects, Stevenson & Associates, Mott Macdonald and JHA Consultants.