Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre secures $7.5m in federal funding for facility facelift

With less than 12 months until a Northern Territory luxurious aquatic and leisure centre opens, the project has enjoyed a $7.5m funding injection. WATCH THE VIDEO.

A facelift for an almost 50-year-old feature of the Territory’s aquatic scene will be complete in the next 12 months.

Casuarina pool’s rejuvenation to become a luxe aquatic and leisure centre is underway thanks to a $7.5 million funding injection from the federal government.

City of Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the council had contributed $19.3 million to the project, which would see a “vibrant and welcoming place” to beat the heat.

“The project is making great progress,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“If the wet season weather doesn’t cause significant disruptions to construction, we anticipate we’ll be able to open the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre prior to the initial projected completion date of late 2024.

“Having a modern, accessible, recreational space to play, swim, eat and relax fits so many of our strategies – including having a safe, liveable and healthy city, and a cool, clean and green city.”

The image shows an artist impression of the site layout for the new Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Picture: Supplied.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis on-site announcement about a major milestone at the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The popular pool – used for leisure and competition alike – has been closed since October 2022 for construction.

The upgrades will include an eight-lane 50m lap pool, resort-style lagoon pool, learn-to-swim pool, cafe and BBQ facilities, wet and dry play areas, a swimming club and community room, a gymnasium, three-on-three basketball court, and specialist rooms for allied health services.

The design for City of Darwin’s Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre was lodged with the Development Consent Authority. Picture: Supplied

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said he “cannot wait” to take his kids to the new facilities.

“I look forward to seeing the difference this community infrastructure makes to working families in Darwin and Palmerston,” he said.

“This redevelopment is delivering a modern, safe, and family-friendly sports and recreational facility that will improve health and wellbeing outcomes in the local community.”

The $26.8 million project has delivered 194 construction jobs and will create about 54 permanent jobs upon completion.