Katherine Aquatic Centre Upgrade

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Katherine Aquatic Centre Set to Reopen Under New Management

Published on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 at 10:19:59 AM

Katherine Town Council has ticked off another major milestone toward the much-anticipated reopening of the Katherine Aquatic Centre in November.

Following an extensive tender process, the Katherine Town Council announced that the Y Northern Territory (YMCA) has been selected as the new operator of the Aquatic Centre, with local company HD Pumps to provide specialist maintenance services.

The construction project is on schedule to be completed at the end of October and will deliver a modern, accessible, and safe facility for the entire community. The upgraded Centre will feature improved pools, shaded areas, family-friendly facilities, and spaces designed for lessons, training and community events.

The Y is well known in Katherine and has over 50 years of experience delivering recreation and aquatic services throughout the Territory. It has a strong local presence through its programs at the Henry Scott Recreation Centre and Little Mangoes Early Learning Centre.

Under the new management, the Katherine Aquatic Centre will offer expanded programs including health and wellbeing initiatives, swimming and water safety activities, events such as school holiday programs and community celebrations. The Y has committed to working closely with schools, sporting clubs and community groups to ensure equitable access and programs that meet Katherine’s needs.

Mayor Joanna Holden said the pools' reopening will be an exciting day for the Katherine: “We have all missed the pool while it’s been under construction, and it does feel like opening day can’t come soon enough.”

“In preparation for the opening, it's great news that the Y Northern Territory will be its onsite managers, with the experience, people, and passion to deliver great outcomes for our community.”

A revitalised Katherine Aquatic Centre is on the way.

In late 2022, the Northern Territory Government, under the Sport Community Infrastructure Projects Grants, awarded $300,000 to Katherine Town Council as a contribution toward the proposed upgrade of the 43-year-old Katherine Aquatic Centre. This funding accompanies a further $10 million committed by the Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP, under the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program (PCIP).

The redeveloped Katherine Aquatic Centre will include:

  • the current 50-metre pool which will be extensively renovated
  • A 25-metre, six-lane, 1.05-1.4-metre deep, heated pool with an accessibility ramp, diving blocks on the deep end, and a ledge for learn-to-swim classes. The pool will be particularly suited to swimming lessons and fitness classes
  • a splash zone with play area, activation toys and ground sprays
  • new plant and equipment rooms
  • an assisted change facility to provide change room access to people with a disability.

The council is seeking further funding to incorporate:

  • a solar energy upgrade to reduce running costs and carbon footprint
  • a larger recreation/leisure area in the remaining space which could include BBQ areas and an additional playground.

This project information will be updated as the timeline progresses, and there may be further opportunities for community engagement through tools used on this page. The Council invites community members to post any questions they have about the project in the tool below. Your questions will be public and a team member will respond to you directly. These questions may also be used to create a project FAQ.

UPDATE: 5th September 2024

Major demolition work will begin at the Katherine Aquatic Centre next week in preparation for its $10 million redevelopment.

Over the past few days, the Australian Government erected its project sign, Sitzler hoarding has fenced off the construction site, and cranes are scheduled to arrive next week.

The contractor, Sitzler, completed the design phase and preliminary works through July and August, including site testing, setting up its construction facilities and securing subcontractor arrangements.

As the demolition work progresses, members of the public are encouraged to stay alert and take care with an increase in machinery moving on and off the construction site.

UPDATE: November 2024

The contractors have advised that both pool liners have been sourced from overseas (Italy), so the delivery will take longer than anticipated. We estimate the new opening date will be around October 2025.

Update 3 September 2025

Tenders have closed for the appointment of a new pool management organisation. The successful tenderer will be endorsed at the first Ordinary Council Meeting of the newly elected members on 23 September. The construction project's practical completion is on schedule for the end of October. The pool manager will induct and train their staff on site in early November, and the pool will be officially opened in mid-November and opened to the public by late November.

Katherine Aquatic Centre Set to Reopen Under New Management

Published on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 at 10:19:59 AM

Katherine Town Council has ticked off another major milestone toward the much-anticipated reopening of the Katherine Aquatic Centre in November.

Following an extensive tender process, the Katherine Town Council announced that the Y Northern Territory (YMCA) has been selected as the new operator of the Aquatic Centre, with local company HD Pumps to provide specialist maintenance services.

The construction project is on schedule to be completed at the end of October and will deliver a modern, accessible, and safe facility for the entire community. The upgraded Centre will feature improved pools, shaded areas, family-friendly facilities, and spaces designed for lessons, training and community events.

The Y is well known in Katherine and has over 50 years of experience delivering recreation and aquatic services throughout the Territory. It has a strong local presence through its programs at the Henry Scott Recreation Centre and Little Mangoes Early Learning Centre.

Under the new management, the Katherine Aquatic Centre will offer expanded programs including health and wellbeing initiatives, swimming and water safety activities, events such as school holiday programs and community celebrations. The Y has committed to working closely with schools, sporting clubs and community groups to ensure equitable access and programs that meet Katherine’s needs.

Mayor Joanna Holden said the pools' reopening will be an exciting day for the Katherine: “We have all missed the pool while it’s been under construction, and it does feel like opening day can’t come soon enough.”

“In preparation for the opening, it's great news that the Y Northern Territory will be its onsite managers, with the experience, people, and passion to deliver great outcomes for our community.”

A revitalised Katherine Aquatic Centre is on the way.

In late 2022, the Northern Territory Government, under the Sport Community Infrastructure Projects Grants, awarded $300,000 to Katherine Town Council as a contribution toward the proposed upgrade of the 43-year-old Katherine Aquatic Centre. This funding accompanies a further $10 million committed by the Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP, under the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program (PCIP).

The redeveloped Katherine Aquatic Centre will include:

  • the current 50-metre pool which will be extensively renovated
  • A 25-metre, six-lane, 1.05-1.4-metre deep, heated pool with an accessibility ramp, diving blocks on the deep end, and a ledge for learn-to-swim classes. The pool will be particularly suited to swimming lessons and fitness classes
  • a splash zone with play area, activation toys and ground sprays
  • new plant and equipment rooms
  • an assisted change facility to provide change room access to people with a disability.

The council is seeking further funding to incorporate:

  • a solar energy upgrade to reduce running costs and carbon footprint
  • a larger recreation/leisure area in the remaining space which could include BBQ areas and an additional playground.

This project information will be updated as the timeline progresses, and there may be further opportunities for community engagement through tools used on this page. The Council invites community members to post any questions they have about the project in the tool below. Your questions will be public and a team member will respond to you directly. These questions may also be used to create a project FAQ.

UPDATE: 5th September 2024

Major demolition work will begin at the Katherine Aquatic Centre next week in preparation for its $10 million redevelopment.

Over the past few days, the Australian Government erected its project sign, Sitzler hoarding has fenced off the construction site, and cranes are scheduled to arrive next week.

The contractor, Sitzler, completed the design phase and preliminary works through July and August, including site testing, setting up its construction facilities and securing subcontractor arrangements.

As the demolition work progresses, members of the public are encouraged to stay alert and take care with an increase in machinery moving on and off the construction site.

UPDATE: November 2024

The contractors have advised that both pool liners have been sourced from overseas (Italy), so the delivery will take longer than anticipated. We estimate the new opening date will be around October 2025.

Update 3 September 2025

Tenders have closed for the appointment of a new pool management organisation. The successful tenderer will be endorsed at the first Ordinary Council Meeting of the newly elected members on 23 September. The construction project's practical completion is on schedule for the end of October. The pool manager will induct and train their staff on site in early November, and the pool will be officially opened in mid-November and opened to the public by late November.

Have a question about this project? Have your say.

Please note that this is a public forum, and it is being monitored.

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  • Share Is there a possibility of having permanent diving blocks installed on the 50 meter pool, the existing fittings in the concrete are becoming loose and need repair or do away with and install permanent blocks. Are the concrete paths around the pool going to be either replaced or ground back as when they are wet, are as slippery as hell? on Facebook Share Is there a possibility of having permanent diving blocks installed on the 50 meter pool, the existing fittings in the concrete are becoming loose and need repair or do away with and install permanent blocks. Are the concrete paths around the pool going to be either replaced or ground back as when they are wet, are as slippery as hell? on Twitter Share Is there a possibility of having permanent diving blocks installed on the 50 meter pool, the existing fittings in the concrete are becoming loose and need repair or do away with and install permanent blocks. Are the concrete paths around the pool going to be either replaced or ground back as when they are wet, are as slippery as hell? on Linkedin Email Is there a possibility of having permanent diving blocks installed on the 50 meter pool, the existing fittings in the concrete are becoming loose and need repair or do away with and install permanent blocks. Are the concrete paths around the pool going to be either replaced or ground back as when they are wet, are as slippery as hell? link

    Is there a possibility of having permanent diving blocks installed on the 50 meter pool, the existing fittings in the concrete are becoming loose and need repair or do away with and install permanent blocks. Are the concrete paths around the pool going to be either replaced or ground back as when they are wet, are as slippery as hell?

    Alstory asked 9 months ago

    Thanks for the question. The project manager, Matt, is away - he will be back on Tuesday so I will come back to you when I get the information from him.   

  • Share Will the existing change rooms be upgraded to comply with expected standards of today. Will the kiosk have a make over? on Facebook Share Will the existing change rooms be upgraded to comply with expected standards of today. Will the kiosk have a make over? on Twitter Share Will the existing change rooms be upgraded to comply with expected standards of today. Will the kiosk have a make over? on Linkedin Email Will the existing change rooms be upgraded to comply with expected standards of today. Will the kiosk have a make over? link

    Will the existing change rooms be upgraded to comply with expected standards of today. Will the kiosk have a make over?

    Slowbones asked about 1 year ago

    The existing main building will be retained with only minor cosmetic touch-ups. Aquatic services, which were prioritised under the Commonwealth grant and needed repair and improvement, will be retained.

  • Share Will the pool still have the big shade thing on top of the pools, like the one it has? on Facebook Share Will the pool still have the big shade thing on top of the pools, like the one it has? on Twitter Share Will the pool still have the big shade thing on top of the pools, like the one it has? on Linkedin Email Will the pool still have the big shade thing on top of the pools, like the one it has? link

    Will the pool still have the big shade thing on top of the pools, like the one it has?

    Sina asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question, Sina. 

    The existing pool will use the same shade sail system, but the shade sails will be repaired. The new 25-metre pool will incorporate a new shade sail that will cover 50% of the pool and stretch over a portion of the concourse.

  • Share What is the expected timeline for the completion of the upgrade? Will pool entry costs increase, and if so, what are the anticipated fees? How many staff will the upgraded facility require to operate safely and professionally? What security measures are being considered to mitigate the risk of criminal activity during operational and after-hours? on Facebook Share What is the expected timeline for the completion of the upgrade? Will pool entry costs increase, and if so, what are the anticipated fees? How many staff will the upgraded facility require to operate safely and professionally? What security measures are being considered to mitigate the risk of criminal activity during operational and after-hours? on Twitter Share What is the expected timeline for the completion of the upgrade? Will pool entry costs increase, and if so, what are the anticipated fees? How many staff will the upgraded facility require to operate safely and professionally? What security measures are being considered to mitigate the risk of criminal activity during operational and after-hours? on Linkedin Email What is the expected timeline for the completion of the upgrade? Will pool entry costs increase, and if so, what are the anticipated fees? How many staff will the upgraded facility require to operate safely and professionally? What security measures are being considered to mitigate the risk of criminal activity during operational and after-hours? link

    What is the expected timeline for the completion of the upgrade? Will pool entry costs increase, and if so, what are the anticipated fees? How many staff will the upgraded facility require to operate safely and professionally? What security measures are being considered to mitigate the risk of criminal activity during operational and after-hours?

    A.McAllan asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your questions. The project’s anticipated completion date is listed in the project description’s timeline section. If the dates change, we will update the timeline. The project aims to create a modern, functional, fun facility for all Katherine users, so its affordability for users is critical. Council will continue to provide equitable access for all. Staffing will likely be on par, but we can’t precisely say how many people will be employed at this stage. Council is also focused on protecting all its assets, and we believe we have security measures adequate to our needs.

  • Share Can we just get the pool working and worry about everything else later. This is critical health infrastructure. We should not be going into a build up season without a town pool - violence, skin disease, boredom, obesity, heart disease….all go hand in hand with no town pool…please just sort it out without the fanfare of what could be. We just need a pool on Facebook Share Can we just get the pool working and worry about everything else later. This is critical health infrastructure. We should not be going into a build up season without a town pool - violence, skin disease, boredom, obesity, heart disease….all go hand in hand with no town pool…please just sort it out without the fanfare of what could be. We just need a pool on Twitter Share Can we just get the pool working and worry about everything else later. This is critical health infrastructure. We should not be going into a build up season without a town pool - violence, skin disease, boredom, obesity, heart disease….all go hand in hand with no town pool…please just sort it out without the fanfare of what could be. We just need a pool on Linkedin Email Can we just get the pool working and worry about everything else later. This is critical health infrastructure. We should not be going into a build up season without a town pool - violence, skin disease, boredom, obesity, heart disease….all go hand in hand with no town pool…please just sort it out without the fanfare of what could be. We just need a pool link

    Can we just get the pool working and worry about everything else later. This is critical health infrastructure. We should not be going into a build up season without a town pool - violence, skin disease, boredom, obesity, heart disease….all go hand in hand with no town pool…please just sort it out without the fanfare of what could be. We just need a pool

    Crazyhorse2 asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for your feedback. We appreciate and understand a public swimming pool's role in supporting its users' mental and physical health. We have spent the last few years closing and opening the pool to fix the pool's infrastructure failures, including underground water leaks, cracked and broken tiles, pump breakdowns, etc. The pool is over 43 years old, and its infrastructure is beyond its useful life. We were fortunate to secure funding from the NT and federal governments to rebuild the 50-metre pool, and overwhelming community feedback asked that we take this opportunity to add new pools that broaden the aquatic centre's use and better cater to all our residents' needs. We investigated delivering the project in stages with the contractor, but it was not operationally viable.

    We look forward to getting the job done as soon as possible and delivering a fantastic new facility for our community.

  • Share What works will be carried out to the 50m pool? on Facebook Share What works will be carried out to the 50m pool? on Twitter Share What works will be carried out to the 50m pool? on Linkedin Email What works will be carried out to the 50m pool? link

    What works will be carried out to the 50m pool?

    Alstory asked over 1 year ago

    The 50-metre pool work program includes: 

    • All new mechanical equipment
    • new and repaired plumbing between pool and plant room
    • new internal lining of pool.

    The budget allows for it to be revitalised so it looks brand new and operates far more efficiently, but It will remain the same width and depth. 

  • Share Note that the 25meter pool will have diving blocks, if it is only 1.2 meters deep does not meet regulations for water depth for diving. Will the 50 meter pool be widened to 8 lanes? Will we be able to see dome actual 3d renderings of what the upgraded facility will look like? on Facebook Share Note that the 25meter pool will have diving blocks, if it is only 1.2 meters deep does not meet regulations for water depth for diving. Will the 50 meter pool be widened to 8 lanes? Will we be able to see dome actual 3d renderings of what the upgraded facility will look like? on Twitter Share Note that the 25meter pool will have diving blocks, if it is only 1.2 meters deep does not meet regulations for water depth for diving. Will the 50 meter pool be widened to 8 lanes? Will we be able to see dome actual 3d renderings of what the upgraded facility will look like? on Linkedin Email Note that the 25meter pool will have diving blocks, if it is only 1.2 meters deep does not meet regulations for water depth for diving. Will the 50 meter pool be widened to 8 lanes? Will we be able to see dome actual 3d renderings of what the upgraded facility will look like? link

    Note that the 25meter pool will have diving blocks, if it is only 1.2 meters deep does not meet regulations for water depth for diving. Will the 50 meter pool be widened to 8 lanes? Will we be able to see dome actual 3d renderings of what the upgraded facility will look like?

    Alstory asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. The new 25-metre pool's 1.2m depth was originally planned until, based on feedback from user groups, it was decided to have a deep and shallow end to allow for diving blocks. The proposed depth will be graded from 1.05m-1.4m and we have now updated the information in the project description. 

     The 50-metre pool won't be widened because the cost of adding an extra two lanes and the new equipment required to run the larger pool would have consumed the entire budget. Instead, Council chose to repair the 50-metre pool, and install:

    • a new 25m multipurpose pool
    • a new splash zone
    • an assisted change room
    • new plant room and equipment.


    The Aquatic Centre is an old facility, so upgrading the existing plumbing and electricity supply to the site has taken up a large part of the budget, but we are seeking further funding to complement the project, including adding some additional elements that the community would like to see.

     The consultants have prioritised drawings for construction and permits ahead of 3D renderings so the pool can be reopened as soon as possible. In the meantime, we have added two recently delivered schematics to the project description on this website.

  • Share There has been a lot of community concern regarding delays to construction beginning on the pool. Is the project still on track to be completed by June 2025? on Facebook Share There has been a lot of community concern regarding delays to construction beginning on the pool. Is the project still on track to be completed by June 2025? on Twitter Share There has been a lot of community concern regarding delays to construction beginning on the pool. Is the project still on track to be completed by June 2025? on Linkedin Email There has been a lot of community concern regarding delays to construction beginning on the pool. Is the project still on track to be completed by June 2025? link

    There has been a lot of community concern regarding delays to construction beginning on the pool. Is the project still on track to be completed by June 2025?

    kmurphy20 asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your feedback and question.

    The pool piping failed which resulted in flooding and the pool being closed earlier than expected.  The closure was before we would have liked.  The funding from the Commonwealth Government and the NTG has been finalised.  The pre works (geo tech and site survey) have been completed as scheduled.  The build works will commence in July.

    The project is still on track to be completed by June 2025 as per the grant funding timelines. 

    The project is on schedule, the pool failing before we would have liked was not to plan.

Page last updated: 15 Oct 2025, 12:29 PM