Manningham signs off on “biggest project”: A $30 million Aquarena outdoor pool upgrade

The updated facilities will include a new eight-lane 50-metre outdoor pool, a café and a large family zone.

Matthew Sims
July 28, 2025

This article has been edited to correctly attribute Lee Robson.

Manningham Council’s newest team of councillors has signed off on its biggest funding commitment - $30 million towards a redevelopment of the outdoor facilities at the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

During the council meeting on Tuesday July 22, councillors voted to pass a motion to endorse final designs for the redevelopment and seek tenders for the works.

The history

The centre opened its doors in November 1969, and acquired the name of “Aquarena” in 1992.

Manningham Council completed a $21.6 million redevelopment of internal facilities in 2016, including construction of a new pool hall with warm water program pool, steam room and spa, outdoor water splash and play areas and a wellness centre.

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Manningham Council has approved its $161 million budget for the upcoming financial year, including a three percent rate increase and a 16 percent jump in waste charges.

What will the redevelopment involve?

Manningham Council’s Lee Robson said the upgrades would include a new eight-lane 50-metre outdoor pool, tiered spectator seating area, café with indoor and outdoor seating and wet lounge, large family zone with toddler pool, new amenities block and electric heat pump technology.

“The Aquarena outdoor area is projected to close for the planned redevelopment works at the end of March 2026, following the 2025-26 summer period,” she told the Eastern Melburnian.

“We’re aiming to reopen the area ahead of the 2027-28 summer period, just in time for the community to make the most of the upgraded facilities.”

Manningham Council has committed $30 million over the next four years, while the state will tip in $250,000.

Empty, mouldy, and wasted: is the Knox Leisureworks outdoor pool a missed opportunity?

The 25-metre outdoor pool at Knox Leisureworks in Boronia has been left unused for the past four years due to "significant structural issues".

What was the reaction from councillors?

Manningham councillor Carli Lange said years of engagement went into the project for the benefit of the users.

“We are actually looking forward to this being the pool you want to go to,” she told the chamber.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly attributed Manningham Council's Lee Robson as male. We regret the error.