VIDEO: West Wallsend Swim Centre expansion underway with $4.2m upgrade

15 August 2025

Artist impression of the new building exterior.

newy.com.au – Construction has begun on a $4.2 million expansion of West Wallsend Swim Centre, with a new indoor learn-to-swim pool due to open next year.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz and Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi marked the start of works on Friday 15 August, turning the first sod at the site. The expansion aims to meet growing demand from the centre’s catchment area, which includes West Wallsend and the rapidly developing suburb of Cameron Park.

Shultz said the upgrade was identified as a high priority under the city’s Aquatic Facilities Strategy. “Learning to swim is a survival skill – an essential when you live in Lake Macquarie,” he said. “Once the project is complete, the centre will be much better equipped to teach those valuable lessons to people of all ages and abilities for many years to come.”

The new facility will cater for children as young as six months and include an accessible pool ramp, bathrooms and showers designed for people with mobility needs, as well as a lifeguard area for improved safety oversight. It will also provide a dedicated space for programs such as A Splash of Colour, which teaches women from culturally diverse backgrounds how to swim, and Rainbow Club, which supports children with learning difficulties in developing water skills.

Repacholi said the project would deliver long-term benefits for the community. “This is a great outcome for West Wallsend and the surrounding community. We all know how important it is for people of all ages to learn to swim, and this new indoor pool will mean more lessons, all year round, rain, hail or shine,” he said. “The Albanese Government is committed to backing projects that make a real difference in people’s lives. This expansion will strengthen community programs, deliver better facilities, and help meet the needs of a growing population.”

The expansion follows an upgrade to the centre’s western car park, funded through the Australian Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program. That work included a new asphalt surface and line marking for 19 designated spaces.

Shultz said measures would be taken to minimise disruption during construction, ensuring existing pool users could continue to access the facility.

The new indoor pool is expected to be operational in 2026. Updates on the project are available at lakemac.com.au.