Aquarena Outdoor Redevelopment

Impacts and temporary closures

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.

Latest news

March 2, 2026

Manningham Council Media Release: Aquarena outdoor redevelopment moves ahead

Aquarena redevelopment is officially moving ahead, bringing the community closer to enjoying upgraded...

February 28, 2026

Your Say Manningham - Aquarena Outdoor Redevelopment Project Updates

Manningham Council are redeveloping the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre...

February 27, 2026

Aquarena Outdoor Redevelopment

Aquarena Outdoor Redevelopment Manningham City Council is redeveloping the outdoor area at Aquarena...

General FAQs

What is being redeveloped?

The outdoor precinct will be transformed and includes:

A brand-new 50m outdoor pool with a ramp entry for improved accessibility (replacing the original pool built around the time of the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games)
A moveable swim wall to allow flexible programming, creating more options for lessons, lap swimming and squad training.
New Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating
Dedicated family and children zone with toddler pool and water play area
New BBQs and landscape features

New change rooms

Sustainable infrastructure upgrades

When will construction begin?

Construction is expected to commence in April 2026 after Easter and is anticipated to run for approximately 15-18 months.

Will the centre remain open?

Yes.

Indoor pools, the health club and most core services will remain operational throughout the redevelopment period.

What will happen to the car park?

The main car park will remain open and fully operational. Accessible parking at the bottom near the roundabout will be impacted and temporarily unavailable.

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.

Is the pavilion closing? What happens to my group fitness classes?

Yes. The pavilion will not be accessible during the construction period.

All Group Fitness classes currently delivered in the pavilion will be relocated to:

Available spaces within Aquarena

Mullum Mullum Stadium

Other approved offsite locations

Updated timetables will be communicated prior to implementation.

Is the café closing?

The existing café location will close; however, a new smaller café will be established within the reception area to continue providing:

Barista-made coffee

Grab-and-go food options

Light refreshments

Service continuity will be maintained.

Is the toddler pool open? How will this impact our swim?

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.

Will there be noise?

There may be periods of construction noise during operating hours. We will work closely with contractors to minimise disruption wherever possible.

Will safety be maintained?

Yes.

Construction zones will be securely separated from public areas.

Lifeguard deployment plans will be updated.

Emergency evacuation procedures will be revised and communicated prior to changes taking effect.

Safety remains our highest priority.

Where can I get updates?

Project updates will be shared via:

Aquarena email communications

In-centre signage

Social media

The Your Say Manningham project page (via the Manningham Council website)

Who can I speak to?

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.

Memberships & Visit Passes FAQs

Why aren’t membership fees being reduced during construction?

During the construction period, the majority of the centre will remain operational as normal. This includes continued access to our indoor pool hall, gym, group fitness programs and core services, with no change to membership inclusions. As a result, membership fees will remain unchanged, as most facilities and services you currently access will continue to be available.

We understand some members specifically use the 50m outdoor pool. If access to an outdoor 50m pool is important to you during this period, we can certainly provide information about other local options that may suit your needs.

This redevelopment is an important investment in the future of the centre and the Manningham community, delivered in partnership with Manningham Council, and we’ll continue working to minimise disruption.

If at any point the centre no longer suits your needs, you’re welcome to cancel and we’ll waive the usual 14 days’ notice period. You can also stay on our mailing list to receive project updates.

Can I suspend or cancel my membership?

If at any stage the centre no longer meets your needs, members may:

Continue their membership as normal

Cancel their membership if preferred (Members can join a mailing list to stay updated with the project)

14 day notice period will be waived

No joining fee on return

If I cancel, can I still receive project updates?

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.

Can members choose to suspend their membership for the duration of the redevelopment instead of cancelling?

At this stage, suspensions will not be available. However, we encourage members to continue their membership to maintain access to the centre’s facilities and programs, which will remain largely operational.

Will the centre remain open?

Yes.

Indoor pools, the gym and group fitness and most core services will remain operational throughout the redevelopment period.

Will members be able to use other Aligned Leisure facilities at no extra cost during the redevelopment?

Access to other Aligned Leisure facilities is not included in your membership. If another Aligned Leisure facility is more suitable for your needs, our team can help you transfer your membership.

Will multi visit pass holders be refunded if they cannot travel to other destinations for Group Fitness Classes?

The majority of classes on the timetable will continue to run at Aquarena. However, if your class is moved to another location, please speak with a member of our team to discuss your options. We can assist with transferring your pass or arranging a refund if needed.

Will aquatic visit pass holders be able to use their passes at other centres to swim?

If you do not wish to use your pass to swim in the indoor pool, please see our team. We can arrange to transfer your pass to another service at the centre, such as an upgrade to warm water pool & spa, group fitness or gym. Alternatively, we can provide a refund for any remaining visits.

Where can I swim outdoors?

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

Aqualink, Box Hill

Nunawading

Boroondara

Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre

Boroondara Sports Complex

Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre

Kew (currently under redevelopment)

Knox

Knox Leisureworks Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Maroondah

Aquanation, Ringwood

Aquahub, Croydon

Croydon Memorial Pool

Monash

Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Clayton Aquatics and Health Club

Oakleigh Recreation Centre

Nillumbik

Eltham Leisure Centre

Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool

Yarra Ranges

Monbulk Aquatic Centre

Belgrave Outdoor Pool

Healesville Outdoor Pool

Jack Hort Indoor Pool, Healesville

Lilydale Outdoor Pool

Yarra Centre, Yarra Junction

Other 50m outdoor pools

Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool

Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre

Carnegie Memorial Pool

Noble Park Aquatic Centre

Please check each centre’s website or contact them directly for current opening times, seasonal conditions and entry fees, as these vary.

Group Fitness FAQs

Is the Pavilion closing? What happens to my group fitness class?

Yes. The pavilion will not be accessible during the construction period.

All Group Fitness classes currently delivered in the pavilion will be relocated to:

Current Child Care Space at Aquarena (this space will be modified to cater for classes)

Mullum Mullum Stadium
Hiemat Centre

Updated timetables will be communicated mid March 2026.

Where will cycle classes take place?

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.

Will circuit classes continue as normal?

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.

What will the class capacity be?

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.

Will my instructor change?

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.

Swim School FAQs

Will my child’s swimming lessons continue?

Yes. Swim School lessons will continue as normal in the indoor pools.

There may occasionally be some construction noise, but lesson times and programming will not change during the construction period.

DTSC, Doncaster Dolphins/Aquanauts & Oceannauts FAQs

Where will squad training occur?

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.

Will training times change?

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.

What about dry land training?

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.

Childcare FAQs

Why is the Child Care service closing?

Manningham Council is redeveloping the outdoor area at Aquarena. Construction is expected to commence in April 2026.

As part of these works, the childcare service will need to close for the duration of the redevelopment with operation ceasing on the Friday 20 March 2026.

How long will the service be closed?

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.

When is the final day of Child Care?

The final day of operation for the Aquarena Child Care service will be:

Friday 20 March 2026

After this date, the service will temporarily close for the duration of construction.

Will the Child Care service reopen once construction is complete?

At this stage, the service will be closed during the construction period. At this stage, no decision has been made about the reopening.

What support is available for families?

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:

Answer questions

Discuss transition timing

Provide documentation you may require for new enrolments

Support you through the process

Please feel free to come and speak with us in person.

What will happen to the educators?

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.

Will there be an opportunity to say goodbye?

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.

What does this mean for the rest of Aquarena?

The outdoor redevelopment will deliver:

A new 50m outdoor pool

Improved accessibility features

New change rooms

Tiered spectator seating

Sustainable infrastructure upgrades

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)

Who can I speak to if I have concerns?

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.

Do you have parents and bubs classes?

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.

Translate this page:

Important: We have migrated to a new membership portal

Menu

Aquarena Outdoor Redevelopment