Residents demand more shade at Coast’s top pool but say no to permanent enclosed centre

Councillors have delivered their verdict on plans for a roof over the popular Gold Coast Aquatic Centre after taking feedback from more than 170 stakeholders. This is what they’ve decided.

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre will not get a $150 million roof but there is a demand by the community for more shading as a record 660,000 people annually use the pools and gym.

The City in July as part of a bid to secure the 2028 world swimming championships began investigating plans for both permanent and temporary roofing.

Renders provided to this masthead showed the options but as part of community consultation for a master plan for the centre, the idea of an enclosed pool has been abandoned.

Southport councillor Brooke Patterson said the feedback from more than 170 stakeholders so far was for more shade but not an enclosed roof.

“Swimming Australia don’t want a roof. So no-one is actually suggesting a full roof. Shade through is important,” Ms Patterson said.

“My understanding is Swimming Australia have also said they don’t need an enclosed space for the Olympics. The conversation about the Olympics didn’t really come up in this, its more those other international events.

“My biggest concern is that aquatic centre for me is first and foremost a community centre. It is not about events.”

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre at Southport. Council is working though a masterplan process to determine how to meet demand for services. Pic: Gold Coast City Council.

Ms Patterson said a critical part of future planning would be to provide access to residents and community during events.

“They’ve looked at the learn to swim and the gym, and I’ve expressed they look at the walking pool as well – so people can get in and do their exercise (during events).”

Lifestyle committee chair Glenn Tozer said the pool was originally built in the 1960s and redeveloped in 2014 ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“The project looks to ensure the community is front of mind and outcomes for both high performance and events are complimentary – and not competing,” he said.

Artist impression of a proposed upgrade of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport.

“This year Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is set to welcome a world record number of patrons in excess of 660,000. It is only one of five aquatic facilities that is able to host national and international level competition.

“There is a steady increase in international interest ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Mr Tozer confirmed the biggest feedback from stakeholders was about more shade.

“What we have found quite uniquely, is that not every stakeholder is keen about closing it entirely. We don’t want to put a roof on that’s enclosed but we do want to provide some shade,” he said.

The aquatic centre boasts a 50-metre outdoor competition pool, 50-metre outdoor training pool, 25-metre outdoor program pool, heated indoor learn to swim pool and outdoor dive pool. Other features include hot and cold recovery spas, a splash pad, indoor dry dive facility, the gym along with a cafe.

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre at Southport. Pic: Gold Coast City Council.

Latest data from a City report shows:

* A 55 per cent increase in patronage 2022‐2024 with the centre track for over 660,000 patrons.

* The Swim School teaches on average 637 students per day, a 15 per cent increase since 2022.

* The Fitness Centre has 1645 members a 37 per cent increase since 2022.

* The centre averages over 100 events per year ranging from local clubs through to major international competitions.

City officers said the master plan would consider site assessment and analysis, future demand assessment and what services were needed including lighting, power, communications, sewer, and water supply.

A final report the master plan which includes costing and financials would be presented late next year.

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