The beloved Richmond Swimming Centre will receive a major redevelopment following the decision of Councillors to proceed with the redevelopment, including the following enhancements to the project scope:
- Expanding the outdoor 50-metre pool from six lanes to eight lanes, and
- Incorporating a new gymnasium extension into the facility.
These additions respond to community feedback and will strengthen the Centre's ability to support a broader range of recreational, training and fitness activities. The addition of the gymnasium will significantly improve the centre's financial contribution to its own running costs.
The updated project is currently estimated at $73.4 million, with a $30.3 million funding grant from the NSW Government's Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants (WSIG) program, and Council forecasting that approximately $43.1 million will be required to be funded through alternate financing arrangements, and/or potentially sourcing additional grant funding opportunities.
Council notes that these figures are preliminary and based on the current stage of design and available information. As with all major infrastructure projects, costs will continue to be refined as the design development progresses, detailed documentation is completed, and market pricing is obtained.
The new Richmond Swimming Centre will now include:
- Accessible all-season indoor 25-metre pool
- Accessible all-season indoor warm water program pool
- Accessible heated outdoor eight-lane 50-metre pool
- Outdoor zero-depth splash feature park for young children
- New bathroom and changeroom facilities
- Indoor gym facilities
- Infrastructure including seating, shade and landscaping
- New reception and café with indoor and outdoor dining areas
- Improved water and energy efficiency upgrades
- Off-street parking and bus zones
The redevelopment will deliver a modern centre that offers year-round facilities for swimming and fitness, better opportunities for swim schools, greatly improved accessibility for all users, and significant advances in energy and water efficiency.
Since the execution of the funding deed in late 2023, construction costs have increased significantly, primarily due to rising material costs. Council has worked closely with designers and engineers to manage and reduce costs while ensuring the project delivers a high-quality facility for the community.
The existing 1960s-era centre is approaching the end of its useful life. A like-for-like replacement would not meet the requirements of the WSIG funding agreement, resulting in the need to return the funding. Council would be then required to either fully fund the replacement or consider permanent closure of the centre.
Council undertook extensive community consultation during the development of the project designs, and thanks the various stakeholders for their valuable input. The designs will now be finalised ahead of the submission of a development application later this year. Council is targeting completion of the new centre in late 2028, weather permitting.
Council is committed to building a Hawkesbury that is loved by its people.
