New 10 year vision for Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre

                                                          Monday, 17 September 2018

A new Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC) master plan aims to ensure its ongoing popularity through much-needed upgrades and adding new features identified through community feedback.

Located between Leichhardt Oval and the Bay Run, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said LPAC has developed into a much loved community asset since it opened in 1960.

“Leichhardt Pool has developed into one of the most frequented community facilities in the Inner West with its multiple indoor and outdoor pools, modern gym facilities and fitness classes as well as a cafe and recreation spaces drawing huge numbers of residents and visitors,” he said.

“Council is now looking for community feedback on a new master plan that will drive further improvements and upgrades at Leichhardt Pool over the next 10 years. This will deliver an even better facility while retaining items that the community have stated to us that they already value and enjoy.”

The draft master plan approved this week for public exhibition over the next month has been developed following extensive engagement with the community completed earlier this year with feedback given both on the present facilities and what patrons would like to do at LPAC in the future.

The plan has itself built on previous community engagement completed by the former Leichhardt Council 2005 master plan that lead to partial upgrades extending LPAC facilities in 2008 and 2016.

Some of the draft master plan strategies last night approved for public exhibition include:

• Installation of a nature based recreation zone with water play, toddler water play and water jet area 
• Provide new spectator seating overlooking the 50m lap pool, improved shade structures, outdoor showers and new plantings
• Installation of new picnic areas with BBQs, picnic settings and turf recreation spaces
• Construction of a new 50m lap pool with an additional 2 lanes (10 lanes) with a movable boom
• Relocation of the cafe with expanded outdoor covered seating area
• Relocate and provide a new crèche, reception area and administration rooms
• Improve the entry design with new landscaping
• Improved equal access and circulation around the facility
  
  

Along with LPAC itself, the latest master plan also considered the adjacent car park: all connecting footpaths; the Mary Street entrance as well as connections to the harbour foreshore, the Bay Run and Leichhardt Park. 

The need to develop master plan derived from Inner West Council’s Recreation Needs Study which has reviewed the existing aquatic facilities across the local government area.