ARM Architecture and NH Architecture, in partnership with Queensland’s Arkhefield, will help deliver an iconic swimming and water sports centre that will host the world’s best aquatic athletes in 2032, and be a world-class facility and high-performance hub for Australia’s burgeoning Olympians.
“This design trio will develop an iconic new home for high-performance aquatic athletes, as well as a legacy for community sport,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said. “This isn't just a venue for a few weeks in 2032, it's a lasting investment in Queensland's future that will support community sport, high-performance athletes and keeping us cool for generations to come.”
Slated to host swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the National Aquatic Centre will balance elite sporting requirements with everyday community use. The current design includes three new covered competition pools, a gym, high-performance rooms and administration spaces, complementing the three existing outdoor pools within the heritage‑listed Centenary Pool complex.
The centre is expected to have up to 25,000 seats during the Games, with a legacy capacity of 8,000 seats.
With a roofline reflecting water and wind, the National Aquatic Centre will feature new pools, a gym, high-performance and office spaces, complementing the existing outdoor pools and amenities of the heritage-listed Centenary Pool.
Nestled into the sloping landscape, the multi‑storey centre is tiered down the southern ridge to preserve surrounding parkland while opening the building to light, breeze and greenery. The distinctive floating roof stretches across the centre, the rippled form reflecting the movement of wind and water and allowing natural light and ventilation through the facility.
ARM Architecture Director Andrew Hayne is leading the architect partnership and said the design’s strong connection to water makes it undeniably Queensland. “Queenslanders have a real connection to the water. The rippling plinth and floating roof reflect the movement of water, but the design is ultimately about place and is shaped by Brisbane's landscape, subtropical climate and natural environment,” Mr Hayne said.
The Games Independent Infrastructure Construction Authority (GIICA) is also forging ahead with the procurement process to select the builder, with four building contractors shortlisted to submit offers, which will close at the end of this month. This will be further shortlisted to two builders within weeks, allowing GIICA to move to the next phase of assessment and planning, with the final builder to be selected by early 2027. GIICA will take possession of Centenary Pool on 1 September, to begin early works to prepare the site for construction.
GIICA Chairman Stephen Conry AM chaired the Design Evaluation Panel and said the quality of design submissions had been outstanding. “Ultimately, it was ARM Architecture, NH Architecture and Arkhefield’s design for a Centre inspired by the movement of water, cleverly positioned into the landscape, that we felt best reflected the natural beauty of Brisbane,” Mr Conry said. “GIICA is committed to delivering transformational infrastructure that will benefit Queenslanders for generations, and I am confident the National Aquatic Centre and new Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park will be outstanding landmarks for our city and among our most popular public spaces.”
ARM delivered Perth’s RAC Arena and the redevelopment of Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall, while NH Architecture reimagined and delivered Melbourne Park, widely recognised as one of the nation’s best sport and entertainment precincts. Arkhefield is behind South Bank’s River Quay quarter and the current Waterfront Brisbane development. The partnership also includes aquatic architecture specialists Liquid Blu, the Queensland design company behind the Yeppoon Lagoon and Pavilion, Palm Beach Aquatic and Community Centre and the Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre, among others.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was delivering for 2032 and beyond. “The Centenary Pool is a proud part of Queensland’s swimming history and as a centrepiece for the action during 2032, that history will be strengthened into the future.
The National Aquatic Centre is one of 17 new and upgraded venues being delivered by GIICA as part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.