The outdoor area at Aquarena is being redeveloped. Find out about temporary closures, what's changing, and FAQs.
Manningham City Council is redeveloping the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Templestowe Lower.
Since 1969, Aquarena’s outdoor area has been Manningham’s backyard, a beloved summer destination for the community to swim, slide, play, and relax. But after more than 50 years, the outdoor area has reached its lifespan and requires a total refresh.
This project will create a modern, inclusive space with innovative facilities designed to promote health, wellbeing, and social connection, ensuring everyone can enjoy it for generations to come.
For full project information, timelines and updates, click HERE
To ensure safety, maintain accessibility, and allow us to accommodate as many programs and services as possible during redevelopmen t, the following areas at Aquarena will be temporarily closed:
Pavilion
Closed for the duration of the redevelopment works. All Group Fitness classes previously delivered in this space will be relocated to other areas within the centre, Mullum Mullum Stadium and other offsite locations. We will release the adjusted group fitness schedule within the next few weeks.
Toddler Pool
Closed during construction to allow for redevelopment works and the establishment of the new café area.
Existing Café Location
The current café space will close as part of the redevelopment. A smaller café will operate from the reception area to continue offering coffee, grab-and-go food and light refreshments.
For more information, refer to our FAQs below. To receive timely updates about the redevelopment, join our mailing list HERE.
The Aquarena Outdoor Redevelopment will commence in April 2026. Based on the ‘Your Backyard’ theme of the project that emerged from community feedback and consultation, this major investment will deliver a modern, accessible and welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can stay active, connected and healthy.
The community highlighted 3 key priorities: an improved café space, enhanced water play and dedicated space for school carnivals. These priorities helped shape the design, alongside broader improvements.
The new outdoor area will include:
Construction is expected to commence in April 2026 and is anticipated to run for approximately 19 months, subject to unforeseen delays.
The main indoor centre will remain open throughout the works to continue to provide a range of indoor aquatic and leisure activities for the community. However the outdoor area, including the 50m pool, waterslides, pavilion, occasional care service and café will be closed for the duration of construction.
The main car park will remain open and fully operational. Accessible parking at the bottom near the roundabout will be limited during the construction period.
If you require assistance entering or exiting the centre, our team is here to help. We also recommend using the CERGE app to help plan your arrival and parking during the redevelopment period.
Yes. The pavilion will be closed and not accessible during the construction period.
To minimise disruption, all group fitness classes currently held in the pavilion will be relocated to alternative venues including:
· the current childcare space at Aquarena (where most classes will be delivered). This space will be remodelled to accommodate classes
Updated timetables and location details will be communicated before the changes take effect.
The existing café location will close; however, a new smaller café will be established within the reception area to continue providing:
Service continuity will be maintained.
No, the toddler pool will be closed during construction to allow for the development of the new café area.
Children under 5 years old must be accompanied in the water by a supervising adult at all times. This is due to the depth of the Learn-to-Swim pool, which will be the alternative swimming space for young children during construction.
There may be periods of construction noise during operating hours. We will work closely with contractors to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Yes.
Safety remains our highest priority.
Project updates will be shared via:
Our Leadership Team and Customer Experience Team are available to answer questions and support members, families and clubs through the transition.
We understand that change can bring questions, and we are committed to clear communication and careful planning as we move through this significant and exciting redevelopment.
During the construction period, most of the centre will remain open and operating as usual. As the majority of facilities and services included in memberships will continue to be available, membership fees will remain unchanged.
This redevelopment is an important investment in the future of the centre and our wider community, delivered in partnership with Manningham Council. Throughout construction, we’re committed to maintaining a high-quality member experience and minimising disruption wherever possible.
Membership options
If at any stage the centre no longer meets your needs, members can choose to:
If at any stage the centre no longer meets your needs, members may:
Yes.
Members who choose to cancel may opt to remain on a dedicated mailing list to receive key project updates and reopening announcements.
Our team can assist you with this at reception or leave your details HERE to stay in the loop.
At this stage, membership suspensions will not be available during the redevelopment period. As most of the centre’s facilities and programs will continue to operate, members are encouraged to maintain their membership and continue accessing available services.
Yes.
Indoor pools, the gym and group fitness and most core services will remain operational throughout the redevelopment period.
No, access to other Aligned Leisure facilities is not included in your membership, except through a membership transfer. Members can continue to enjoy the services available at this centre during the redevelopment.
Most group fitness classes will continue to run at Aquarena. If your regular class is relocated to another venue and you’re unable to attend, please speak with a member of our team. We’re happy to discuss your options, including transferring your pass or arranging a refund where appropriate.
If you prefer not to use your pass to swim in the indoor pool, please speak with a member of our team. We can discuss alternative options, including transferring your remaining visits to another service at the centre, such as the warm water pool and spa, group fitness or the gym. Alternatively, a refund can be provided for any unused visits.
While Aquarena’s outdoor facilities are closed during construction and you’d like to swim outdoors, there are a few nearby public outdoor pool options you might consider. These are not included in your Aquarena membership and are payable directly to the centre you visit.
If Aquarena’s outdoor facilities are closed during construction, there are a number of nearby public pools you can visit. These are not included in your Aquarena membership and are payable directly to the centre you visit.
Whitehorse
Boroondara
Knox
Maroondah
Monash
Nillumbik
Yarra Ranges
Other 50m outdoor pools
Please check each centre’s website or contact them directly for current opening times, seasonal conditions and entry fees, as these vary.
Yes. The pavilion will not be accessible during the construction period.
All Group Fitness classes currently delivered in the pavilion will be relocated to:
Updated timetables will be communicated mid March 2026.
Cycle classes will run in the modified childcare space at Aquarena. The bikes will be set up and packed down for each class to ensure the space remains functional and flexible.
Circuit classes will remain on the timetable. However, the program will be reimagined, as the large cable and strength equipment will not be relocated into the new space. Our instructors will continue to deliver a challenging and engaging program that members will enjoy, using creative programming and alternative equipment to maintain variety and intensity.
Capacity for most main Group Fitness classes will remain the same.
Cycle class capacity will be slightly reduced to suit the new space configuration and ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all participants.
We are doing our best to keep instructors consistent so you can continue training with the people you know and enjoy. However, there may be some changes due to instructor availability, particularly where class times or locations have been adjusted.
If any changes are required, we will ensure the same high-quality experience and programming you expect from our team.
Yes. Swim School lessons will continue as usual at the indoor pools. Lesson times and programming will remain unchanged throughout the redevelopment.
Doncaster Dolphins and the Adult Squads will be temporarily relocated to Eltham Leisure Centre during the construction. DTSC will adopt a hybrid timetable between Aquarena and Eltham Leisure Centre. Final timetables and transition dates will be confirmed mid-March.
Please note: this relocation only applies to scheduled squad sessions. Casual lap swimming outside of these timetabled sessions is not included and will need to be paid for separately at the chosen site.
Final timetables and transition dates will be confirmed directly with clubs.
We have worked to replicate current allocations as closely as possible. There may be minor adjustments to some session times due to shared programming requirements.
The pavilion will not be accessible during construction however the Childcare space will be modified to a group fitness studio and will be used for dry land training.
As part of the redevelopment works, the childcare area will need to close for the duration of the redevelopment, with operations ceasing on Friday 20 March. The pavilion building and childcare areas will be repurposed to support the temporary relocation of group fitness classes while works are underway.
At this stage, the Child Care service will remain closed for the duration of the construction. This is estimated to be between 15-18 months.
Operations will cease on Friday 20 March 2026.
At this stage, the service will be closed during the construction period. At this stage, no decision has been made about the reopening.
We understand this change may require families to seek alternative care arrangements.
Our Leadership Team will be available in the Child Care office over the next two weeks to:
Please feel free to come and speak with us in person.
Our educators are highly valued members of the Aquarena team. We are committed to supporting them through this transition.
A celebration morning tea will also be held for families, children and staff prior to closure.
Yes.
We will be hosting a morning tea for children, families and educators prior on Friday 20 March 12.00pm. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful community that has been built within the service and thank our educators for their incredible work.
The outdoor redevelopment will deliver:
Indoor pools and core services will remain operational during construction, and reciprocal arrangements are in place to support continuity of aquatic services for members.
For broader project updates, families can visit:
Your Say Manningham (via the Manningham Council website)
Members of our Leadership Team will be available in the Child Care office over the next two weeks.
You are also welcome to contact the centre directly via reception or email at any time.
We genuinely appreciate your understanding and the trust you have placed in us to care for your children. While this change is significant, we are grateful for the strong and supportive community that has been built within Aquarena’s Child Care service.
Yes, to help support our families to stay active, we will be adding new classes to the timetable for parents to exercise alongside their baby.
Our educators are highly valued members of the Aquarena team. We are committed to supporting them through this transition and celebrating their work.
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