Southport pool will need a roof and seating for 15,000 fans for 2032 Games
The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre must get a new roof if the city is to host Olympic and international events in winter. Read how much it will cost
Gold Coast
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The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre must get a $150m roof if the city is to host Olympic and international events in winter, according to a top sporting body.
“Swimming Australia don’t want a roof. So no one is actually suggesting a full roof. Shade though is important,” Ms Patterson said.
However, Swimming Australia chief executive officer Rob Woodhouse has been in contact with the City since it began investigating its options in June this year in a bid to secure the 2028 world swimming championships.
“What is required to host the Olympics is two indoor 50m pools — one for the competition obviously and one for the warm up,” he said.
“If they (the Coast) were to do that, they would definitely need to have a roof over the pool. You’d be looking at 15,000 seating.”
Mr Woodhouse said the Coast could host the world short course championships along with international events in summer in warmer periods with the current pool set up, upgraded for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“But we can’t do anything in the winter,” he said.
The Olympic trials were held in June each year and any international events or world championships in a 50m pool require proper coverage for swimmers.
“We wouldn’t be able to do that in southeast Queensland. We’d be looking to do that elsewhere if there wasn’t a facility provided. It’s the temperature level, it’s protection for the athletes really. It’s not conducive to high performance,” Mr Woodhouse said.
It is understood the City recently reassured the new State Government that the Coast wanted to host the swimming at the Olympics.
Some designs have been put forward by council. City sources suggest Mayor Tom Tate, while backing some roofing was “not a supporter of an ugly box-type roof”.
Mr Woodhouse said Swimming Australia had a “good relationship” with Gold Coast City Council, which wants to host the World Short Course championships in a 25m pool in December 2028.
“There is already a commitment from the council to upgrade the facility next year, adding a boom which allows for 25m racing. That’s going ahead no matter what,” he said.
The pool would be closed, possibly in the middle of next year and extended for two metres to make way for the boom, ensuring it could be used for long course. State-of-the-art diving blocks would be installed. Temporary grandstands would need to be built.
“I categorically say for the Olympics that will not be the case. The Olympics will need to be … and the World Aquatics stipulate this … in an indoor pool,” Mr Woodhouse said.
In the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games in southeast Queensland, Swimming Australia is exploring options for a new swimming venue in the ageing Chandler complex in Brisbane.
“ … From a Swimming Australia point of view we are advocating to get a new aquatic centre in southeast Queensland,” Mr Woodhouse said.
The centre, alongside being used by the community, would provide a high-performance environment catering for swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming.
“All four of those sports have been working together on some plans for a national aquatic centre in Brisbane advocating for that,” Mr Woodhouse said.
Brisbane has plans for a drop-in pool at a new entertainment centre which will be considered as part of the Crisafulli Government’s 100-day review.
“Whether it’s Brisbane or the Gold Coast, we’re certainly advocating to get a new aquatic centre — we know that there is a significant cost in that, it has to serve the community,” Mr Woodhouse said.
“We believe there is a great opportunity to invest in something like that in southeast Queensland.”
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Originally published as Southport pool will need a roof and seating for 15,000 fans for 2032 Games
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