Carnes Hill Aquatic Centre: WestInvest grant to fund recreation hub

A state-of-the-art aquatic centre – featuring splash pads, water slides and a climbing facility – is set to open in a fast-growing suburb in Sydney’s southwest in coming years.

Artist’s impression of the external facade of the gymnastics centre and indoor pool.

A multimillion-dollar grant will see a southwest Sydney recreation precinct feature a state-of-the-art aquatic centre, including a 50m pool, outdoor splash pads and multi-use sports courts.

Liverpool Council received $53.4m in WestInvest Community Project Grants for the aquatic centre with construction earmarked to start mid-2025 with a completion date of mid-2026.

The aquatic centre will be built behind the Michael Clarke Recreation Centre on Kurrajong and Cowpasture Rd.

Liverpool mayor Ned Mannoun said the WestInvest funding would cover the entire cost of the aquatic centre.

“The residents and ratepayers of Liverpool deserve the best recreational facilities,” he said. “At the moment, there are not enough pools and recreational facilities in the LGA and this will help remedy this situation.”

Artist’s impression of the proposed outdoor play area.

The aquatic centre will include an outdoor water play area with water slides, outdoor splash pads, a hydrotherapy pool and program, a gymnastics, health and fitness area alongside a cafe and outdoor area.

In addition, two sports fields and two multi-use sports courts will accompany the existing tennis courts and indoor soccer and basketball courts at the current Carnes Hill recreation centre.

Artist’s impression of the external facade of the gymnastics centre and indoor pool.

A climbing adventure facility is also earmarked, designed for children aged eight years and older, alongside dedicated picnic areas.

The vision for a new aquatic facility in the Liverpool LGA has been a key issue for council, following council’s adoption of the Warren Green Aquatic report in November 2022.

The report found the existing major aquatic and leisure facilities – Holsworthy Aquatic Centre, Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre, Michael Clarke Recreation Centre and Whitlam Leisure Centre – would either be demolished or relocated to better cater for the community.

The report also found the existing facilities are only supporting some of the Liverpool community and the future facilities, including the new Carnes Hill aquatic centre will need to factor in projected population growth.

Mayor Ned Mannoun said council officers are currently investigating design options for the centre.

“Council will consult with the community on what they would like to see in the centre.”