AVID swimming duo David and Helen O’Brien (pictured) swam their last laps at the Canterbury Leisure and Aquatic Centre as they know it … they now eagerly await the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility. THE new $61 million Canterbury Leisure and Aquatic Centre should make a splash when it opens in two years.
Expected to open in mid to late 2025, it will feature a 50-metre outdoor pool, 25-metre indoor pool, indoor heated therapy pool, zero-depth children’s water play area, accessible change facilities, an onsite cafe, sauna, gym and fitness centre and much more.
David O’Brien, a regular swimmer at the pool, said that while he did feel some nostalgia towards the pool he’s swam in since he was 10, he was excited for a new era to begin.
“As a child I have fond memories of the diving pool and jumping off the diving tower … school carnivals and sitting in the grandstand … and spending time at the pool in the school holidays,” the 68-year-old said.
“For at least the past 23 years, I have been swimming at the pool regularly. I swim about one-two kilometres every morning.
“I have noticed there has been a depreciation in the centre over the years … I know it gets to a point where it is not economically viable to keep running an old pool like this.
“Everyone is looking forward to the new centre.”
Over the coming months, the 64-year-old facility will be decommissioned, with construction due to commence soon after.
Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said he’s excited for what’s to come.
“The design for the new centre was the result of extensive engagement and in-depth consultations with community members and industry experts,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“This is a huge win for our community, soon they’ll have world-class facilities right on their doorstep that they will be able to enjoy for decades to come.”
