A NEW aquatic centre is likely to be built on the old Parramatta golf course to replace Parramatta pool closed to make way for a new sports stadium.
The eastern end of the former golf course has been identified as a site for the new swimming centre.
Sport Minister Stuart Ayres said the site had been pinpointed following work between the State Government, Parramatta Council and the sites owner, Parramatta Park Trust.
Mr Ayres said a feasibility study would now be conducted.
A masterplan will be developed to explore opportunities for the area to be upgraded and repurposed for public use, he said.
It comes after The Advertiser first reported in January that Parramatta Swimming Centre would be demolished to make room for the redevelopment of Pirtek Stadium in OConnell St.
Mr Ayres said Parramatta Council would be responsible for delivering the new aquatic centre.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance said the masterplanning process would be led by the Parramatta Park Trust and would involve extensive public consultation at no expense to Parramatta Park Trust.
The Parramatta Park Trust will lead the masterplanning process and, in doing so, will not lose commercially as a result of a decision to relocate the pool to the golf course site. We want to get the best result for the community and will be working closely with the council and the Trust to progress the former golf course site proposal, Mr Constance said.
Planning undertaken for the new stadium confirmed the pool would need to close to accommodate for a rise in seating capacity from 20,000 to 30,000.
The stadium redevelopment also needs more room to accommodate modern security requirements, more circulation zones around the stadium and space to improve pedestrian and vehicle access.
Parramatta Council administrator Amanda Chadwick said the governments masterplan was a good opportunity for the council to design and build a modern aquatic centre close to the CBD.
We know our residents and workers want and need a swimming centre that is close to the CBD to support health and fitness and to provide swimming classes and school activities, Ms Chadwick said.
Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee confirmed the swimming centre would remain open until the end of March next year.
The construction of a replacement aquatic centre is likely to take a minimum of two years, and interim arrangements are being developed to minimise inconvenience for the pools patrons, including the Parramatta Swimming Club, Mr Lee said.
This month the government called for expressions of interest from the private sector to design and construct the new stadium, set to open in 2019.
Parramatta Golf Club closed in April 2015 due to a dramatic drop in revenue.
