Brisbane Aquatic Centre Design Unveiled
Early concepts for Brisbane’s new aquatic venue combine Olympic competition requirements, high-performance facilities, community use and the restoration of the heritage-listed Centenary Pool within Victoria Park.
Six years before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, early design concepts have been released for the National Aquatic Centre in Victoria Park. The venue is planned to host swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming during the Games, while operating as a public aquatic centre and high-performance training facility thereafter.
The concept has been developed by ARM Architecture and NH Architecture in partnership with Brisbane-based Arkhefield, following a six-month selection process led by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority. The team also includes aquatic specialist Liquid Blu, sports architecture, landscape, engineering, accessibility and event operations advisers.
The design is organised around the idea of a “first splash” in the existing Centenary Pool, with rippling forms expressed through the roof, plinth and rooftop park. A floating roof is intended to bring natural light and ventilation into the building, while the multi-storey structure is tiered into the site’s southern ridge to reduce its impact on surrounding parkland.
The current scheme includes three new covered competition pools, a gym, high-performance rooms and administration areas. These facilities will complement the three existing outdoor pools within the heritage-listed Centenary Pool complex, which is to be restored and retained as a central element of the site.
Brisbane is in the midst of preparations for the 2032 Olympic Games. Following the “100-day review”, the government presented its venue plans for the major event at the end of March. stadiaworld presents the recommendations.
ARM Architecture Director Andrew Hayne said the design links aquatic identity with local conditions. “The rippling plinth and floating roof reflect the movement of water, but the design is ultimately about place. It’s architecture shaped by Brisbane’s landscape, subtropical climate and natural environment.”
NH Architecture Director Emily Kilvington said the combination of the existing pool and new facilities was intended to respect the site’s history while supporting future aquatic sport infrastructure. Arkhefield Founding Director Andrew Gutteridge said the project would serve swimmers, athletes and the wider community beyond the Games period.
Three-time Olympian Cate Campbell OAM is advising the design team on elite athlete requirements. “Athlete experience is at the centre of this pool design,” she said, describing the post-Games role as a high-performance training facility for future athletes.
GIICA is expected to take possession of Centenary Pool and surrounding areas on 1 September 2026. Early works are scheduled to begin later in 2026, with construction planned to commence in 2027. The project is one of 17 new and upgraded venues within the 7.1 billion Australian dollar (approx. 3.99bn EUR / 3.42bn GBP / 4.55bn USD) Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments. (stadiaworld, 31.07.2026)
