Inverell Shire Council Announces Opening of Inverell Aquatic Centre
24 February 2025
AFTER months of anticipation, the new multi-million dollar Inverell Aquatic Centre is set to open its doors to the public for the first time from this Thursday, 27th February, 2025.
Hines Construction handed over the facility to Council on Friday after reaching practical completion.
The facility was officially granted World Aquatics Accreditation (formally FINA) last week, making it the only Aquatic Centre in the north of the state to hold this prestigious title.
Mayor of Inverell Shire Council, Cr Kate Dight says, “This project stands as the most significant infrastructure development, in dollar terms, ever undertaken by Inverell Shire Council. Years of planning and community consultation were dedicated to designing a facility that will serve the region’s needs for generations. Council takes great pride in seeing the Inverell Aquatic Centre come to life, close to forecast time and well within funding allocation”.
Inverell Aquatic Centre features an 8 lane indoor/outdoor pool (50m in summer & 25m heated in winter), a 20m warm water program pool with movable floor for all abilities access, a spectacular splashpad, toddlers pool, café, a large multi-purpose room, training rooms and a comprehensive range of aquatic and exercise classes.
Aquatic Centre Managers, Belgravia Leisure, are onsite conducting final preparations prior to opening to the public on Thursday.
Belgravia Leisure General Manager of Operations, Katherine Forman stated “Belgravia Leisure is proud to partner with Inverell Shire Council to manage the Inverell Aquatic Centre. This multi-purpose facility is designed to be a community space, with facilities and activities welcoming all ages and abilities, including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports, and those with special needs.”
Ms Forman continued, “This development will provide substantial year-round indoor facilities, addressing many community needs. We are looking forward to working with Council in connecting the community to leisure.”
Venue Manager, Victoria Plain is excited to introduce the community to the GOswim water safety and swimming lesson program saying, “I can’t wait to see students swimming at Inverell Aquatic Centre. We haven’t had a pool in so long, I know our facilities will be integral to teaching students lifelong swimming and water safety skills.”
Whilst the facility will be opening on Thursday, the central splashpad feature will be installed in the coming weeks. Due to issues with the manufacturer, which were outside of the control of the contractor or council, shipping of the feature has been delayed.
An official opening event for the facility will be conducted once the Splashpad feature is installed. State and Federal Ministers will be invited to attend the opening, with a suitable date to be announced shortly.
In celebration of the soft opening, Council and Belgravia Leisure will be offering free entry to the Aquatic Centre, between 12 noon and 5:00pm every Saturday and Sunday until Easter. Capacity limits will apply and residents are urged to monitor the Inverell Aquatic Centre Facebook Page for availability before heading down to the venue.
Belgravia Leisure will also be conducting tours of the facility. These tours can be booked via the Active World app, or in person at Inverell Aquatic Centre Reception after opening day.
Inverell Aquatic Centre will swing its doors open to the community from 6:00am to 7:00pm Thursday.
Media Enquiries:
Peter Caddey / 02 6728 8288 / peter.caddey@inverell.nsw.gov.au
