Work is underway to transform the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre into a state-of-the-art aquatic facility.
The Council is delivering the multi-million dollar project, which includes a $5.6 million Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program contribution from the State Government.
Project details
The Council appreciates the community's understanding and patience while the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre is closed for redevelopment.
The Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre Upgrade will include:
a 10 lane, 50 metre outdoor pool;
an 8 lane, 25 metre indoor pool;
an 11 x 20 metre indoor learner’s pool;
a 14 metre tall tower with two outdoor waterslides;
multiple male, female and unisex all-access changerooms with showers, toilets and lockers;
multipurpose meeting room; and
shade shelters and picnic seating.
Each pool will have an all-access entry via ramp or lift. Aquatic wheelchairs will be available for public use.
If you would like to be included in future updates via email correspondence, please submit your details here.
The Council appointed Badge Constructions to undertake the work. Badge Constructions are a privately owned multi-award construction group which started in Adelaide in 1983.
Why was Badge Constructions selected?
Badge Constructions is an award-winning builder renowned for its expertise in similar community-focused sport and recreation projects, including the Scotch College Wellbeing and Sports Centre in Torrens Park and the Wulanda Community Centre in Mount Gambier.
Is Badge Constructions a South Australian company?
Yes. The Council has a policy of choosing South Australian businesses for major projects whenever possible.
When will work start?
Work has already started on the Centre. Workers from Badge Constructions are currently on the site.
When will the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre be open?
At this stage it is likely the Centre will open in 2026.
How many jobs will be created?
It is estimated about 100 FTE jobs will be during construction plus 40 on site working at the Centre either as lifeguards or in the kiosk etc.
What Pools or Swimming Centres can I use while the work is being undertaken at PMSC?
Norwood Swimming Centre is open 7 days a week for lap swimming and other fun activities!
I live right near the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre. Will this redevelopment cause disruption?
The Council will work with the contractor to ensure that there is a minimal disruption. However, when work is being undertaken residents and business operators will be advised.
Will roads be blocked off?
If roads are blocked off, citizens and business operators will receive prior warning through letterbox drops and information available on the Council’s website.
Why did the old Centre have to close?
The Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre was first opened in 1968 by the former Payneham Council and, despite several repairs and plant replacement over the years, it has reached the end of its useful life. For this facility to stay open it needed a massive investment and that is exactly what Council committed to. In short, the days spending money on patch-up jobs at the pool are over. The Council would have been wasting rate payers money with “band-aid’ solutions when the only real solution was brand-new infrastructure.
Did the Council consult with the community?
The Council consulted with the community (three times) on its Swimming Centre Strategy and the community told us it wanted the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre to be a 'regional destination' incorporating a 50 metre swimming pool, learners pool and water play park.
The final design incorporates what the community have requested and expects.
How will the project costs impact the Council’s financial sustainability?
To read the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre’s Prudential Management Report please read the document list on this page.
