Willoughby Leisure Centre getting closer to completion
Construction continues on the Willoughby Leisure Centre project.
The Willoughby Leisure Centre is an existing Facility with a large Indoor sports and pool hall. The Design Brief was to update and extend the indoor pool hall to allow for additional capacity and revenue for the facility, upgrade the entry and connection to the new proposed pool hall as well as improve the entry sequence to the facility.
The project’s initial scope included refurbishment of the existing pool and re-use of existing structures including steel columns and roof beams. However, the discovery of inadequate supporting structures and extensive latent conditions, a legacy of the area’s history as a municipal rubbish tip resulted in a major adjustment to the scope of the project. The project now includes construction of an entirely new pool structure which has also meant a budget increase from $39m to $65m
The new design creates a new cohesive and welcoming external meeting point to the front of the Facility, with an enlarged forecourt with landscaping and seating. The relocated outdoor area and the proposed timber cladding to the wall of the crèche area provide a playful and welcoming backdrop to the new main entry of the centre. The development includes upgraded internal works, with new reception, cafe / canteen to the central spine. A new enlarged entry stair to the pool area is proposed to accommodate the increase in patrons and provide a clear point of entry into aquatic facility. The main extension to the existing facility is the new children focused area north of the existing pool hall with:
- 4 lane dedicated learn to swim pool 1 m deep
- leisure pool with beach entry and 0.3 -0.6 depth
- splash pad and bucket for play
- tiered seating for parents overlooking the learn to swim pool.
- New family change with direct access from the pool concourse
- Learn to swim office and adjacent storage area.
Practical completion of the new Centre is currently forecast for the first quarter of 2026 with Council aiming to officially open the doors of the facility soon after.
