It will now cost $13m to reopen Epping pool. But it’s only a short-term fix

Almost two years after Epping Aquatic Centre closed, a new opening date is in sight. But with the pool at the “end of its operational life”, alternative future uses are being explored.

City of Parramatta councillors are being advised to abandon the Epping pool upgrades after the $26 million price tag doubled. Minimum renewal works, for $13.5 million, are instead recommended to target a spring 2027 reopening date – nearly four years after the facility closed its doors.

What the Epping Aquatic Centre looked like in May.Credit: Janie Barrett

The minor works, which would include the refurbishment of the 50-metre and toddler pools, aim to extend the aquatic centre’s lifespan by up to 10 years.

The recommendations, detailed in the Epping Community Infrastructure Analysis report, will be voted on at the final City of Parramatta council meeting of 2025, on December 8.

The Dence Park facility has been closed since April 2024. The Herald revealed in May this year that the water in the once popular pool had turned green after the council was unable to proceed with the planned upgrades due to cost blowouts.

An artist’s impression of the Epping Aquatic Centre upgrades that may not proceed due to increased costs.Credit: City of Parramatta Council

The City of Parramatta website now describes the centre as having “reached the end of its operational life”.

The report reveals the council does not see the facility operating past 10 years. The long-term vision for the site aims to reimagine it for alternative future uses – including outdoor sporting courts and returning the pool area to natural parkland.

West Epping Park and Cox Park are listed as sites being considered for future long-term aquatic and indoor recreation facilities to replace Epping Aquatic Centre.

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“The recommendation to relocate the Epping Aquatic Centre from Dence Park offers potential for youth infrastructure, outdoor recreation and natural rehabilitation of the site,” the council report says.

In May 2025, the council agreed to explore options to deliver a fit-for-purpose aquatic and recreation centre and any additional infrastructure required to meet the needs of the Epping community.

“Council committed to getting this right for our ratepayers and the Epping community,” a City of Parramatta spokesman said.

“This analysis is intended to provide a platform for further feasibility work to consider community infrastructure to ensure future investment in Epping reflects the community’s needs both now and in the future.”

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If the recommendations are approved, the council will consider offering the Epping community subsidised transport or negotiated entry arrangements with neighbouring aquatic facilities until Epping Aquatic Centre reopens.

Residents living in the City of Parramatta council area have access to only one public pool: the Parramatta Aquatic Centre, which opened in 2023 and cost $88.6 million to build.

The Sydney Morning Herald has opened a bureau in the heart of Parramatta. Email [email protected] with news tips.

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