Final days for Adelaide Aquatic Centre as demolition crews move in

The Adelaide Aquatic Centre will be demolished in just a few days to make way for a new facility the Premier says will help create a new generation of sporting heroes.

The Premier attended the old aquatic centre on Sunday, alongside Lord Mayor Jane Lomax Smith and dual Olympic bronze medallist, Phil Rogers. Picture: Ben Clark

As the Adelaide Aquatic Centre closes its doors for good this week, Premier Peter Malinauskas says a new “fit-for-purpose” facility will provide the opportunity for “Olympians of the future” in the decades to come”.

The swimming complex is set to be demolished from Wednesday, after more than five decades in operation, making way for a new $135 million aquatic centre to be built next door.

On Sunday, this time with a shirt on, alongside Lord Mayor Jane Lomax Smith and dual Olympic bronze medallist, Phil Rogers, Mr Malinauskas said the Adelaide Aquatic Centre had given people a lot of “joy” over the years.

Premier Peter Malinauskas kept his shirt on while attending the Adelaide Aquatic Centre on Sunday as it prepares to close for good this week. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“We also know that it’s reached the end of its useful life, so we’re obviously very excited that, while it’s the end of an era here at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, it’s the beginning of a whole new one, with a brand new aquatic centre being built right next door.

Mr Malinauskas said the new centre would be equipped for both recreational and professional use, giving swimmers the opportunity to develop themselves.

The new aquatic centre is expected to be ready by summer 2025/26.

Its closure will mean that recreational swimmers, organised groups and Learn to Swim users will have to find somewhere else to go in the meantime.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Vincent Tarzia said it was a “sad week” for swimmers who were left “heartbroken” by the government’s decision to close the facility while construction on the new building is undertaken.

Mr Malinauskas said the new centre would be equipped for both recreational and professional use, giving swimmers the opportunity to develop themselves. Picture: Ben Clark

“Regular pool users are telling us they’re heartbroken by the decision not to keep the current facility open as originally planned and are expressing all kinds of concerns, including that elderly participants are now being deterred from exercising, impacting their health and social wellbeing,” he said.

“Labor’s handling of the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre has proven they just don’t have the ability to properly manage major projects in South Australia – with cost blowouts and broken promises becoming the norm.

“Peter Malinauskas promised South Australians this new facility would cost South Australians $80 million.

“That quickly shot up to $135 million, with local ratepayers also on the hook to pay an extra $20 million for the demolition works.

“That makes this project’s total cost almost double what was originally pledged.”

Aerial images posted to the Premier’s social media this month show the progress of the new facility, with the artist’s impression of what it will look like once it is complete.