LOCAL LIFE
A place to swim for generations: $ 73.4 million
Richmond Pool redevelopment approved
The much-loved Richmond Swimming Centre is set for a major transformation, with Hawkesbury City Council voting to proceed with a $ 73.4 million redevelopment that will deliver a modern, year-round aquatic and fitness hub for the community.
Following extensive consultation, Councillors endorsed key enhancements to the project, including expanding the outdoor 50-metre pool from six to eight lanes and incorporating a new gymnasium into the facility. These additions respond directly to community feedback and will broaden the centre’ s appeal, supporting everything from recreational swimming to squad training and fitness programs.
Artist impression of the outside of Richmond Swimming Centre.
Importantly, the inclusion of a gym is also expected to improve the centre’ s long-term financial sustainability by increasing its contribution to operational costs.
The project is currently estimated at $ 73.4 million, with $ 30.3 million secured through the NSW Government’ s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants( WSIG) program. Council anticipates funding the remaining $ 43.1 million through a combination of alternative financing and potential future grants. These figures remain preliminary and will be refined as design work progresses and market pricing becomes clearer.
The redeveloped centre will feature a comprehensive range of new and upgraded facilities, including an indoor 25-metre pool, a warm water program pool, and a heated outdoor eight-lane 50-metre pool. Families will benefit from a zerodepth splash park for young children, while new amenities such as modern changerooms, improved seating, shade areas, and landscaped surrounds will enhance the overall visitor experience. Additional features will include a new reception area, café with indoor and outdoor dining, upgraded parking and bus zones, and improved water and energy efficiency measures.
The redevelopment will deliver a contemporary aquatic centre designed to meet the needs of a growing community, offering expanded opportunities for swim schools, increased accessibility for users of all abilities, and year-round access to swimming and fitness facilities.
Council acknowledged that construction costs have risen significantly since the funding agreement was secured in late 2023, largely due to increasing material costs. However, work with designers and engineers has focused on managing these pressures while maintaining a high-quality outcome.
The existing centre, built in the 1960s, is nearing the end of its operational life. A simple replacement would not meet
Artist impression of the inside swimming pool, Richmond Swimming Centre.
the conditions of the WSIG funding agreement, potentially resulting in the loss of funding and placing the full financial burden on Council— or risking permanent closure.
With strong community input helping shape the plans, Council will now finalise designs ahead of lodging a development application later this year. Construction is currently targeted for completion in late 2028, weather permitting.
Council says the project represents a significant investment in the future of the Hawkesbury, ensuring a place to swim, connect and stay active for generations to come.
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 192 // MAY 2026 5