Images: supplied
Four years after closing for redevelopment, the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre is preparing to reopen with huge waterslides, indoor and outdoor pools and a free community celebration.
The rebuilt eastern suburbs facility will officially open on Saturday, October 10, with the community invited to explore the centre from 11am.
The opening celebration will include free entertainment, activities and aquatic fun, although bookings will be essential to manage visitor numbers.
Among the centre’s biggest new features are two waterslides descending from a 14-metre-tall tower, a 10-lane, 50-metre outdoor pool and an eight-lane, 25-metre indoor pool.
There will also be an indoor learner’s pool, a zero-depth children’s waterplay area, landscaped recreation spaces, shade shelters, picnic seating and accessible changerooms.
Construction is nearing completion, with builder Badge expected to hand the facility over to the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters in mid-August. A six-week preparation period will then begin ahead of the October opening.
Mayor Robert Bria said the redevelopment represented one of the Council’s most significant investments in community recreation and wellbeing.
“We have reimagined this facility to ensure it remains a contemporary and leading destination for our diverse community for decades to come,” Mayor Bria said.
“I am proud of the legacy that both the current and previous Councils will leave through this facility; one that will serve our community for generations.”
The Council has also unveiled a new identity for the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre, drawing inspiration from the building’s architecture and the history of the original facility, which opened in 1968.
Its contemporary logo incorporates shapes inspired by the building’s timber grid ceiling and angular architectural details, while its muted colour palette references mid-century design.
BlueFit has been appointed to manage the centre’s day-to-day operations and will oversee aquatic programs, swimming lessons, water safety initiatives and customer services.
The leisure management company will operate the Payneham facility alongside the Norwood Swimming Centre.
BlueFit CEO Todd McHardy said recruitment was already underway for a new local team ahead of the opening and busy summer season.
The appointment is expected to create employment opportunities across aquatic operations, customer service and leadership positions.
Mayor Bria said the partnership would ensure the new pools, waterslides and play areas were supported by high-quality programs and activities.
“Four years on from the closure of the old facility, we are excited to welcome the community to the new Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre,” he said.
Get ready to swim, splash and play this summer with the all new Payneham and Norwood swimming centre.
Payneham and Norwood swimming centres
When: Opening October 2026
Where: 194 O G Rd, Felixstow
For more information, click here.
