The new Canterbury Leisure & Aquatic Centre is shaping up as one of Sydney’s most timely and cost-controlled aquatic projects, with the 50-metre outdoor Olympic pool beginning to fill with 1.7 million litres of water on 23 June 2026. Mayor Bilal El-Hayek turned on the hose to mark the milestone, with the fill expected to take about a week.
The centre at Tasker Park will open to the public late 2026, delivering heated pools, a gym, two fitness studios and a sauna to the growing Canterbury-Bankstown community. Construction has passed the 75 per cent mark, with internal fit-outs and outdoor areas now progressing.
“This is a huge step in the construction of this multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art facility,” Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said. “It’s incredible to see the progress made so far on what is a much anticipated, once-in-a-generation project for the city. I look forward to opening the doors before summer!”
The facility replaces ageing local pools and has been designed for all ages and abilities. The 50-metre outdoor pool includes a swim wall that can divide the basin into two 25-metre sections, plus a dedicated pool hoist and bariatric chair for accessible entry. A zero-depth children’s water play area and a Changing Places facility are also included in the plans.
Indoors, a 25-metre heated lap pool and a 20-metre warm water program pool will support learn-to-swim classes, rehabilitation sessions and year-round use. The project is being managed by NSW Public Works as part of a broader rejuvenation of Tasker Park, with a future playground and shared path across the Cooks River also planned.
The centre’s timing and budget stand in contrast to other Sydney aquatic projects that have faced significant delays and cost overruns. A 2025 report noted the Canterbury facility was likely to be one of the city’s least delayed and least expensive new pools, despite being among the latest built.
Residents should not expect immediate access. The facility remains under construction and will not open until late 2026. Updates are available at cb.city/CLACProject. For people in Canterbury-Bankstown who want year-round swimming and fitness close to home, the centre will be the go-to destination once doors open.
With the Olympic pool now holding its first water, the countdown to a pre-summer launch has started in earnest.
Quick Facts
City of Canterbury Bankstown
Local government area in Sydney formed by the 2016 merger of Canterbury and Bankstown councils, serving a large and growing population across suburbs including Canterbury, Bankstown and surrounding areas.