Casuarina Pool: Resort-style lagoon, basketball half-court among new features in $25m upgrade

‘It’s going to be a precinct with something for everyone’: A suburban Darwin pool will soon close as its $25m ‘state-of-the-art’ revamp propels forward. Read what it will feature.

It’s all systems go at the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre, which is set to undergo “one of the most significant” redevelopments in Darwin to date.

Territory company Halikos will plunge into detailed planning of the massive City of Darwin project by the month’s end, with construction expected to start in late 2022.

The $25m revamp will feature three shaded pools, including an eight-lane 50m lap pool, a 25m learn-to-swim pool and a resort-style lagoon.

Plans also include wet and dry play areas, a basketball half-court, a cafe and barbecue facilities.

The project is anticipated to be complete by late 2023.

The pool will undergo a dramatic $25m revamp. Picture: Supplied

City of Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the finished result would be a “state-of-the-art” facility.

“What we are planning here is more than a pool – it’s a leisure experience where families can escape the heat and comfortably enjoy time together in Darwin’s beautiful tropical outdoors,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“This facility is 40-plus years-old, it’s served its age.

“The brand new one is going to bring millions to the Darwin economy and a lot of jobs but most importantly, a new facility for Darwin that will last many, many years.”

Mr Vatskalis said the City of Darwin would also consider the establishment of private childcare and allied health services at the new aquatic centre.

Member for Solomon Luke Gosling with contractors Halikos Construction at Casuarina Pool. Picture: Annabel Bowles

In February, federal Labor pledged $7.5m to the project – a promise that appears is being upheld.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said it would become an “amazing precinct.”

“The Casuarina Pool has served our community so well for decades (but) we’ve been waiting quite some time for a redevelopment,” Mr Gosling said.

“It’s a really important piece of social infrastructure but more than that, it’s going to be a precinct with something for everyone.”

The City of Darwin has also applied for another $7.5m under the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund but will foot the rest of the bill if unsuccessful.

Concept art for the redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

The pool will close on September 30 to allow detailed planning and construction to start.

Mr Vatskalis said the City of Darwin was making provisions for swimming clubs to use other public pools in Nightcliff and Parap.

The project’s construction will coincide with another multimillion-dollar pool revamp south of Darwin.

Palmerston Pool is undergoing a $19.4m redevelopment, which is due to be complete by November 2023 next year.

The finalised Swimming, Wellness, Events, Leisure, Lifestyle centre will feature three pools including a 50m lap pool, a two-level “Ninja Warrior-style” obstacle course, a half basketball court and other family-friendly facilities.