Canberra's $137.8m aquatic centre and 25,000-seat stadium can coexist
Chief Minister Andrew Barr signaled both Commonwealth Park projects will proceed with minor location moves and a dive pool.
Canberra will get its $137.8 million Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park. There were worries it might be shelved by a competing stadium proposal.
The 25,000-seat stadium is proposed by Canberra Airport for nearby Regatta Point. Both projects can happen.
They just need to move slightly to avoid overlapping, Chief Minister Andrew Barr told parliament on Tuesday. Swimmers are encouraged by Barr's response suggesting the new centre will include a dive pool, matching what the Olympic Pool offers now.
Community campaigners spent months pushing for that commitment after early tender documents left it out. The aquatic centre is on track for detailed design tenders early next year.
It could open by the end of the decade.
- 137.8 million dollars
- Aquatic centre cost
- 25,000 seats
- Stadium seating capacity
- 10-metre platform
- Dive pool depth
- Early next year
- Design tender timing
Why it mattersSwimmers feared the new pool would lose key facilities. Barr's response suggests Canberra's diving community will keep access to deep-water facilities.
AustraliaCanberrans will get a major new aquatic facility with full dive capabilities, though the Olympic Pool won't close until the Commonwealth Park centre is built, likely 2029 or 2030.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 h ago
