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The new multi-million dollar Inverell Aquatic Centre has opened to the public for the first time as of Thursday this week.

The $25 million facility, which has been in development for several years, was officially handed over to Inverell Shire Council by Hines Construction last Friday after reaching practical completion.

Explaining that the project stands as the most significant infrastructure development, in dollar terms, ever undertaken by Inverell Shire Council, Mayor of Inverell Shire, Kate Dight, stated “Council takes great pride in seeing the Inverell Aquatic Centre come to life, close to forecast time and well within funding allocation.

“Years of planning and community consultation were dedicated to designing a facility that will serve the region’s needs for generations.”

The Centre features a main pool, a 20-metre warm water program pool with a movable floor for all-abilities access, a toddlers’ pool, a splashpad, a café, a large multi-purpose room, training rooms and a range of spaces for aquatic and exercise classes.

A major feature of the Centre is the ability to turn its main 50 metre x 8 lane pool into a 25 metre x 8 lane pool in wintertime.

This has been achieved through an innovative design that has seen a moveable boom - supplied by Fluidra Commercial - placed at the 25 metre mark of the pool (at the boundary between the main pool hall and the outside) with the ability to be locked down to separate the water areas.

The building structure over the first 25 metres of the pool then features Monarch Relita vertical folding door at the end of the pool hall that can be lowered easily from its storage space in the roof area and seals off the pool hall from the outdoor area.

The opening of the door takes less than a minute.

Michael King, Senior Associate at Otium Planning Group Pty Ltd, which, from 2019, acted as a consultant on the project, advised on social media that “the ease of operation of this clever innovation design ensures the Inverell Aquatic Centre can ‘winterise’ its pool over the cold months.”

Describing the facility as “one of regional Australia’s truly multipurpose aquatic and wellness facilities”, King added “further items such as the moveable boom and split filtration systems aid in this truly innovative facility using the latest technology to provide sustainable and changeable facility components.

”Added to these highly programmable water areas are two multipurpose rooms for health and fitness and wellness programs, three consulting rooms and a central foyer with cafe and modern reception area.

“Professionally this has been one of my most rewarding projects of the 130 facilities constructed that I have worked on in my career.

“Congratulations also to Hines Constructions as the builder and Facilty Design Group as the architects for their great work to bring this concept to reality.”

Looking to attract high use, the Council has appointed Belgravia Leisure to manage the facility.

Katherine Forman, General Manager of Operations at Belgravia Leisure, commented “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.

“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, said the return of swimming lessons to the region is a major milestone, adding “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.”

The Centre has also been granted World Aquatics Accreditation, making it the only facility in northern NSW to hold the recognition – and already has the 2026 Swimming NSW Country Regional Meet booked.

Organised by Swimming NSW, the two-day event will be held on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January next year.

To celebrate the opening, Inverell Shire Council and Belgravia Leisure will offer free entry to the Centre every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 pm until Easter.

Capacity limits will apply, and residents are encouraged to check the Centre's Facebook page for updates before attending.

While most of the facility is ready, the central splashpad feature is still in transit. Its installation is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

An official opening event is planned once the splashpad is installed.

Images courtesy of Inverell Shire Council.

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