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Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre Redevelopment

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Category: Venues and facilities

The redevelopment of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre into a modern aquatic leisure centre is underway.

The project is expected to take approximately two years and construction is on track for completion in mid-August 2026.

Once completed, the redeveloped Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre will offer an impressive range of facilities, including:

  • 10 lane, 50 metre outdoor pool
  • 8 lane, 25 metre indoor pool
  • 11 x 20 metre indoor learner’s pool
  • 14 metre tall tower with two waterslides
  • zero-depth waterplay area
  • multiple male, female, and unisex all-access changerooms with showers, toilets, and lockers
  • multipurpose meeting rooms
  • kiosk
  • shade shelters and picnic seating.

Each pool will offer all-access entry via ramp or lift, and aquatic wheelchairs will be available for public use to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.

The project is expected to generate 100 new jobs during construction, with an additional 40 jobs (e.g. lifeguards and staff) once the centre opens.

This development includes a $5.6 million contribution from the State Government through the Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program, supporting this exciting community enhancement.

Watch: Payneham Swimming Centre Update - July 2026

The Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre build is progressing with major milestones achieved. Filmed in July 2026. 


Watch video: Construction works update - October 2025

For additional details about this project, download: Project Information Document 

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Timeline

  • Concept design endorsed by Council

    3 May 2021

    Complete

  • Schematic Design endorsed by Council

    2 May 2022

    Complete

  • Detail design and documentation

    May 2022 - July 2023

    Complete

  • Tender for construction

    August - December 2023

    Complete

  • Contract awarded to Badge Constructions

    25 January 2024

    Complete

  • Construction works

    February 2024 - mid-August 2026

    In progress

  • Preparation for opening – training and testing

    Mid-August to late September 2026

    Scheduled

  • Official opening and community celebration

    Saturday 10 October

    Scheduled

Latest News

Construction of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre is approaching practical completion with an anticipated opening to the community in early September.

Following Council endorsement of an additional $3.05m (at its meeting on 7 October 2025) to fund the additional cost of the Design and Construct Items (waterslide splash pad etc), the project is forecast for completion within the revised $63.98m budget.

To date, the following works have been completed:
> 25m and 20m indoor pools have been filled with water
> building fit out is nearing completion
> 50m pool shade structure complete
> installation of zero-depth waterplay equipment is underway
> waterslide foundations complete.

Next stages include filling the 50m pool, installation of the zero-depth waterplay area shade structure, installation of the waterslide tower & waterslide and landscaping.

To date, the following works have been completed:
Pool Hall
> timber ceiling complete
> 25m pool tiling complete

Pavilion
> structural steel & framing complete

External Works
> 50m pool wall tiling complete
> zero-depth waterplay piling complete

Next stage include amenities tiling, external brickwork, shade structure for the 50m outdoor pool and the Waterslide installation.

To date, the following works have been completed:

> the 50m outdoor pool, and
> the Pool Hall building with the indoor 25m and 20m pools are almost finished.

To date, the following works have been completed:

> demolition of the former buildings, pools and associated infrastructure
> upgrades to the sewer main and water connections
> earthworks and soil contamination management
> concrete pours for the Learn to Swim and 25 metre pools
> installation of precast walls along the OG Road frontage

Next stages include construction of the pool hall building, concrete pours for the 50metre outdoor pool and installation of a new electrical transformer.

FAQ's

Who will undertake the construction work?

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.

What pool tiles will be used?

With safety and durability top priorities for the new aquatic facility, the Council carefully selected tiles for each of the pools and play areas.

A soft, slip resistant tile designed specifically for aquatic environments and bare feet has been selected for the zero-depth splash pad. Used in aquatic settings around the world, these tiles are soft to the touch while their thickness helps cushion falls and minimise injury.

Agrob Buchtal tiles have been selected for the Olympic, indoor and learn to swim pools with their cushioned edge designed to help minimise impact to bare feet. Specifically, P5 slip resistant tiles will be used for the base of the learn to swim pool to reduce likelihood of slips or falls.

Google Map of Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre Redevelopment

Site Address

194 OG Rd, Felixstow

Cost

$64 million

Documents

Project Contact

Contact Michael Moshos

Contact role Project Manager

Phone 08 8366 4571

Email mmoshos@npsp.sa.gov.au