The King’s School Parramatta to get new swimming pool

As communities and households across Australia ponder whether to install a swimming pool, plans for an $8m aquatic centre are under way for one of Sydney’s most prestigious schools.

The existing swimming and diving pool at The King’s School could soon be demolished for a redeveloped aquatic centre.

Sydney’s summer might not be the hottest one on record, but the thought of a splash in a backyard pool is never far from Aussies’ minds.

For the lucky students at The King’s School at North Parramatta, plans for an $8.6m redevelopment of their swimming pool are in the pipeline in the rambling 194 hectares at the private site.

The aquatic centre will replace the existing eight-lane Olympic-sized swimming pool and diving pool with a 50m pool and 15m x 10m learn-to-swim pool for seniors.

Under a development application lodged with Parramatta Council, there is a proposal for a double-storey grandstand, tiered seating and office space at the complex.

The 8.3m tall grandstand pavilion will include shaded seating to allow for up to 45 students a row. At the rear of the mezzanine structure will be four change rooms, a first aid room, baby change rooms and shower rooms, rainwater tanks and storage for cleaners.

A concept design for an aquatic centre at The King's School.

Swimming and water polo are popular sports at the school, which is laden with other top tier recreational facilities including 17 sports fields, gym, a rowing shed and a wellness centre.

There are nine halls and a 350-seat King’s Theatre at the 191-year-old school, which educates about 2000 students.

A report prepared for the council said the redeveloped aquatic hub would cater for students and boarders for inter-school competitions as well as staff and their families.

“The pool, spectator seating and amenities will provide a higher quality environment for swimmers and spectators but will not change the core functions of the area,’’ it read.

Fees at The King’s School can hit more than $400,000 if a student attends from Kindergarten to year 12.