Hawkesbury City Council has approved an expanded design scope for the redevelopment of the Richmond Swimming Centre in Richmond, NSW, committing $43.1 million in council funding toward a new aquatic and fitness facility that will replace the existing 1960s-era centre.

The endorsement, made at the April 2026 Council Meeting, follows a process that began at the December 2024 Council Meeting, at which community feedback and development options were formally presented to councillors. The December 2024 report canvassed several options, including retention and refurbishment of the existing pool. Detailed investigations concluded that the current facility, given its age and condition, cannot meet long-term community needs, even with significant capital upgrades.

The April 2026 decision incorporates enhancements beyond the originally adopted design, developed through a combination of community consultation and detailed value engineering undertaken during design development. Council has described the updated scope as a significant step toward delivering a high-quality, financially sustainable facility for the Hawkesbury region.

Expanded scope

Two key enhancements distinguish the updated project. The outdoor 50-metre pool has been enlarged from six lanes to eight lanes, increasing capacity for both recreational and competitive lap swimming. A gymnasium extension has also been incorporated into the facility, broadening the health and fitness offer and expected to improve the centre's long-term financial operating performance.

Both additions respond to results of community consultation, which informed council's decisions on project scope and facility priorities throughout the planning process.

Facility components

The redeveloped centre will deliver a comprehensive range of aquatic and community facilities designed for year-round operation. Indoor and outdoor aquatic spaces will support continuous use across seasons, addressing the seasonal restrictions of the existing outdoor-only facility.

Key facilities will include:

An outdoor interactive zero-depth splash play area for young children
Upgraded amenities, including modern and accessible changerooms
A new indoor reception area
Café facilities with indoor and outdoor seating
New community spaces, including picnic areas
Increased shade across the site
On-site parking and a dedicated bus drop-off area

Modern, efficient plant and equipment will be installed throughout, with targeted upgrades to water and energy systems replacing aging infrastructure across both pool and building services.

Aerial render of the Richmond Swimming Centre redevelopment, Richmond NSW

Accessibility and community benefit

Improved accessibility for people of all ages and abilities is a central design objective. The redevelopment is intended to deliver a facility that serves the full breadth of the Hawkesbury community. The shift to year-round operation, enabled by indoor aquatic spaces, represents a material improvement on the existing centre's seasonal limitations. Community consultation results have helped shape the scope and priorities of the project at each stage of its development, with the gymnasium and expanded pool lanes among the outcomes of that engagement.

Interior render of the proposed Richmond Swimming Centre aquatic facility

Funding and budget

The Richmond Swimming Centre Redevelopment is funded by the NSW Government's Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program in association with Hawkesbury City Council. Council has confirmed its in-principle commitment to fund the identified shortfall at $43.1 million, with the figure subject to final confirmation of construction costs.

Value engineering and cost management have been applied throughout design development, with scope options assessed against both short-term delivery requirements and medium-to-long-term project outcomes.

Aerial concept render of the new Richmond Swimming Centre aquatic facility

Project pathway

Following the April 2026 council resolution, the project will proceed through: redesign to incorporate the additional swim lanes and gymnasium extension; lodgement of a Development Application; continued engagement with the NSW Government to align the grant with the final design; and preparation for construction procurement through early contractor involvement.

The Richmond Swimming Centre Redevelopment represents one of the most significant community infrastructure investments progressed by Hawkesbury City Council in recent years, replacing a facility that has served the Richmond community since the 1960s.

Renders: SutersARCH / Supplied

Architecture & Design Team

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