Premier David Crisafulli went against expert advice to promise the world’s best swimming centre, but is vague about the impact on heritage-listed Centenary Pool.
Premier David Crisafulli went against expert advice to promise the world’s best swimming centre, but is vague about the impact on heritage-listed Centenary Pool.
By Catherine Strohfeldt
March 27, 2025 — 12.37pm
Premier David Crisafulli will not be drawn on whether plans for a world-class National Aquatic Centre at Spring Hill will require the demolition of Brisbane’s heritage-listed Centenary Pool.
Asked on Thursday about the prospect of the venue being knocked down, Crisafulli would only say the 2032 Olympic Games plan would mean the pool was given more than “a lick and a polish”.
“The Centenary Pool will have new life breathed into it, and not a moment too soon,” he said.
“We’re talking about the best swimming and aquatics venue in the world. Think about that: Queensland is going to have the greatest aquatics venue on the planet.”
Centenary Pool – nestled in the southern hillside of Victoria Park, between Gregory Terrace, the rail line and Inner City Bypass – was built in 1959 by the Brisbane City Council to mark 100 years since the founding of the city.
It was heritage-listed in 1996 for its postwar architecture and historical significance as a commemorative structure.
But its future is unclear, after the Queensland government this week delivered on Swimming Australia’s call for a legacy venue to be built on the site, despite successive reviews rejecting the idea.
The proposed Brisbane Arena would no longer have a drop-in pool to host Games swimming, with the government instead promising a National Aquatic Centre at the Centenary Pool site.
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The new centre would have multiple pools and seating for 25,000 – more than Swimming Australia requested – and was yet to be costed.
The previous Games venues review headed by former lord mayor Graham Quirk said such a centre would cost more than $600 million, and not provide value for money, while the 100-day review warned the Centenary Pool site had its own “specific challenges”.
“The site has insufficient flat, accessible space to meet Games overlay requirements, most particularly the lack of available area for a transport hub,” it informed the government.
“The topographical challenges of the site would necessitate substantial earthworks (not costed), noting the risk of contamination (surface asbestos).”
A power transmission line might have to be relocated, and roads may need to be closed during the Games to meet the broader logistical requirements of the event.
Asked about the site’s shortcomings on Thursday, Crisafulli said “of course there are challenges but we will get through them and we will create something really special”.
“Swimming is part of who we are, it’s part of our identity as Queenslanders, and it’s a pretty exciting development,” he said.
Crisafulli also expressed confidence Queensland could manage the bulging construction pipeline over the next decade.
The existing aquatic facilities at Chandler’s Sleeman Sports Complex will be retained, with the precinct becoming a dedicated para-sport community facility.
The government still wants the Brisbane Arena to be built but not with taxpayer funding, and it would not host Games events.
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