The State Aquatic Centre is a partnership project between the three levels of government, i.e. Commonwealth Government, State Government and City of Marion, and the private sector.

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for more information.

A GP Plus Health Care Centre (formerly referred to as the Marion Health Village) is an integrated part of the development on the Marion Domain to complete services and facilities in the area.

(Click map for a larger view)

The current proposal is to develop an international competition standard pool (FINA compliant) and aquatic recreation facilities on the Domain site north of Westfield Marion. (FINA stands for Federation Internationale de Natation and is the governing body of international aquatic sports competitions).


At its 28 November 2006 meeting Council received and considered the State Aquatic State - Section 48 Report (pdf file - !.6MB) and consequently entered into an Agreement with the State Government (pdf file - 8MB).

During December 2006 an Expression of Interest was called for the developer and financier of the FINA and GP Plus Health Care Centre components of the project. Six submissions were received and three consortia were short listed.

State Aquatic Centre – More Background

(excerpt from the State Aquatic State - Section 48 Report (pdf file - 1.6MB))

In 1999 the State Government through the Minister for Recreation and Sport commissioned a study into the aquatic needs of the inner southern community. The study recommended that an indoor facility be established in the Marion region. The study also recognised that South Australia does not have FINA standard swimming facilities and therefore cannot hold swimming championships or provide appropriate facilities for elite swimming training and development.

In June 2006 City of Marion signed an agreement with the Australian Government for a Federal contribution of $15 million for a FINA compliant and leisure water facility at the Marion Domain. The State Government had previously committed to matching the Federal funding on a one-for-one basis and is contributing $15 million.

City of Marion and State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2004 which outlined their mutual commitment to the project. This document was reviewed in 2006 and developed into an agreement which binds both parties to their contributions and commitments to the project.

The State Aquatic Centre will host a FINA compliant component for training, competition and community use and leisure water facilities. The FINA facility comprises two 50m pools, one for lap swimming and the second for diving and water polo. This also includes accompanying facilities for drug testing, media and coach offices etc. It is proposed to accommodate permanent seating for 1000 spectators and a minimum of 2000 extra seats for events.

The leisure / recreational component comprises a minimum area of 1000 m2 of warm water pools. The indicative allocation of the 1000m2 being approximately 300 m2 for different user groups, primarily catering for learn to swim, rehabilitation and aqua fitness. A second area of approximately 700 m2 for additional lap swimming, aquatic leisure / amusement / play pool with lagoon entry providing a range of features including wave capability and a variety of water related activities including slides and other forms of moving water (and capable of accommodating lap swimming).

The State Aquatic Centre will be an integrated facility for both athletes and public and shall provide an indoor leisure aquatic centre and complementary facilities that cater for the following range of activities:

• Aquatic education
• Leisure
• Sport
• Health and fitness
• Food, function and social opportunities

• Pre-school and school age
• Youth
• Family
• Adults
• Older Adults
• Clubs and community groups
• Community and corporate hirer groups
• People with disabilities
• General community

• Provide FINA compliant aquatic centre with two pools, with one pool for lap swimming and one for diving and water polo;
• To develop a stronger sports sector and encourage greater participation in sport by the Marion and regional community.
• Complete the development of the Domain and the Marion Regional Centre.
• The integration of the GP Plus Centre (education and preventative health care) within the Domain.
• To integrate with the redevelopment of the Oaklands railway Station

Funding Party	Contribution
Federal Government	$15 million
State Government	$15 million
City of Marion	$5 million plus land
Total	$35 million plus land

For further information please contact Oliver Pfueller on 8375 6607 during office hours or by email Oliver.Pfueller@marion.sa.gov.au