Swimming Australia welcomes NAC update

Swimming Australia welcomes National Aquatic Centre progress

Swimming Australia has thanked the Queensland and Australian Governments for their ongoing commitment to swimming and aquatic sports as the next stage in the development of the National Aquatic Centre in Brisbane is announced.

Earlier today, to coincide with six years until the Brisbane 2032 Games, the Queensland Government and the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority revealed the appointment of the Principal Architects and their design vision.

Set to host swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming during the Brisbane 2032 Games, the NAC will also deliver long term legacy benefits that balance elite sporting requirements with everyday community use. The design vision includes three new competition pools, high performance amenities and administration spaces, complementing the three existing outdoor pools within the heritage‑listed Centenary Pool complex.

The NAC represents an important investment in blue spaces and the future of our sport and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to ensure it leaves a meaningful, inclusive impact well beyond Brisbane 2032.

“Swimming Australia congratulates ARM Architecture and NH Architecture, in partnerships with Arkhefield, on their appointment as Principal Architects for the National Aquatic Centre. Today is an important milestone on the path to Brisbane 2032 and the legacy that extends well beyond the Games,” said Rob Woodhouse, Swimming Australia CEO.

“The National Aquatic Centre will deliver long term benefits for Australia’s aquatic sports and the community as a world-leading venue capable of supporting major aquatics events and high-performance training alongside community access year-round.

“We look forward to working closely with the Principal Architect and GIICA through the detailed design phase and again extend our thanks to the Queensland and Australian Governments for their commitment to the National Aquatic Centre and its legacy.”

A rippled roofline reflecting wind and water, an open central concourse, and a dynamic mix of community and high-performance spaces has been revealed in the first look at design concepts for the new NAC in Victoria Park.

The appointed design team brings extensive experience across major sporting, cultural and public projects. ARM delivered Perth’s RAC Arena and the redevelopment of Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall, while over the past decade NH Architecture reimagined and delivered Melbourne Park, widely recognised as one of the nation’s best sport and entertainment precincts, and is delivering the redevelopment of Arts Centre Melbourne. Arkhefield is behind South Bank’s River Quay quarter and the current Waterfront Brisbane development.

Read the GIICA release here