The Gold Coast’s oldest pool at Mudgeeraba gets $16m makeover

Detailed designs have been revealed for a $16 million upgrade which will transform a popular Gold Coast swim centre. SEE THE PICTURES

Council is set to splash out $16 million upgrading the Gold Coast’s oldest community swimming pool.

The City has set aside the funding for refurbishment of the Mudgeeraba Aquatic Centre, which will begin in mid-2026 and include a new eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool and a retractable shade structure.

Mudgeeraba-based councillor Glenn Tozer said there would also be an improved lawn space, playground and seating.

The rebuild will ensure the centre meets current safety and accessibility standards.

The Gold Coast's oldest pool at Mudgeeraba, will be upgraded.

Mr Tozer said community engagement on the Aquatic Centre masterplan was conducted in April last year and the feedback was considered when preparing the final design.

“We’re so excited that the Mudgeeraba Aquatic Centre, which is now the oldest pool in the city having been built in 1968, is finally getting its due upgrade. Over $16 million is allocated in the coming budgets to see it delivered,” he said.

“It’ll be wider and have more accessible facilities, which is important for the Special School next door and for many locals with mobility issues who like our quieter pool over other bigger options in the city.

This is how the Mudgeeraba pool will look like after a $16 million upgrade.

“At our Street Party on Sunday, locals let us know they loved the architects’ pictures, and offered other feedback on elements of the planning that we’ll take on board as the construction company is appointed and the finer details are worked out.”

Mr Tozer said the upgrade had been scheduled for ten years to enable the aquatic centre to continue serving the city as a smaller pool, focused on seniors, learn to swim, smaller school programs, and the Mudgeeraba Special School community next door.

The $16 million Mudgeeraba pool upgrade.

“There is now 124,000 visits annually and over the past five years visitation has grown by 25 per cent. There is already $7.8m set aside in adopted budgets. It is expected that additional budget will be resolved in the coming budget cycle to complete the project,” he said.

Mr Tozer had met previously with Mayor Tom Tate to discuss the project, which will be budgeted in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.

While Mudgeeraba was a minor pool in the city, it served an important need among Gold Coasters who prefer a smaller pool that could ensure quieter times and less people, he said.

Designs showing the $16 million Mudgeeraba pool upgrade.

“The new pool complex will be widened and moved into the park area, and the park will be moved to the area where the old pool was. It is hoped that the pool will remain open while construction occurs, to support local business,” Mr Tozer said.

How the upgraded Mudgeeraba pool will look like after $16 million renovation.

Acting Mayor Mark Hammel on Monday welcomed the announcement.

“These refurbishments demonstrate our commitment to investing in the city’s community infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing population across all areas of the Gold Coast,” he said.

“The enhancements will create a more vibrant and inclusive public space for the community to enjoy.”

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Originally published as The Gold Coast’s oldest pool at Mudgeeraba gets $16m makeover