Darwin Council gives green light for Parap Pool development

A proposal for a landmark new dryland training facility with Olympic potential has received the green light.

Aerial view of the Parap Pool and surrounds. Area in red contains current netball courts and site of proposed development. Picture: Google Maps

A proposal for a new dryland training facility at the NT’s premier swimming centre has received the green light to be built following strong support.

The proposed facility at Parap Pool will include a gym, recovery area, meeting room and storage space to support professional, high-performance aquatic training.

In doing so the project aims to further opportunities for local swimming clubs, athletes and talent and unite grassroots participation with high-performance opportunity.

The Australian Dolphins, Open Water Dolphins, and Para-Swimming Dolphins have Darwin as a training base in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, further marking the facility’s importance.

Nearly 80 per cent of community members surveyed supported the facility reinforcing Darwin Council’s decision to approve the next phase of the project.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the positive response reflected the community’s recognition of the value the facility would bring to Darwin.

“The response was clear, people want to see Parap Pool upgraded to support our local athletes and strengthen Darwin’s sporting future,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“Council reviewed the plans and heard the valuable feedback from our community, and Council has approved the proposal and provided Swimming NT with the green light to build the facility.”

A rendering of the concept image for the new land-based training facility at Parap Pool. Picture: Darwin City Council

Swimming Northern Territory chief executive Warren Dopson said the approved training facility is a game changing moment for the sport.

He said the hub would unite competitive swimming (including Masters), triathlon and para-sport in a “shared pursuit of excellence”.

“This project is more than infrastructure, it’s a statement that Darwin and the Territory are ready to lead on the national and international stage,” he said.

“This facility marks a transformative step for all aquatic sports in the Territory, fostering greater collaboration and unity across the sector.

“By delivering world-class dryland training and recovery amenities, we’re empowering our athletes and clubs to compete on equal footing with the rest of Australia.”

The 2022 Country Championships Swimming Titles at the Parap Pool, Darwin Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Dopson said the project wasn’t just about infrastructure, but also about opportunity, identity and legacy as the NT builds on recent successes and a strong crop of junior swimmers.

“For Swimming NT, it deepens our community roots, empowers our clubs, and provides lasting inspiration for the next generation of swimmer,” Dopson said.

“It’s where future champions will be built and refined.”

Funding has been sourced by Swimming Northern Territory, and construction is anticipated to start in July 2025.

For more information about the community engagement and to read the full report visit: engage.darwin.nt.gov.au/parap-training-facility

Originally published as Darwin Council gives green light for Parap Pool development