Sydney Airport backs new Botany Pool with $5m investment

Exciting changes are underway in Sydney’s south-east, with the much-loved Botany Aquatic Centre (BAC) now closed for a major upgrade – and Sydney Airport is proud to be part of the transformation.

This redevelopment is the first major project funded through a multi-million-dollar partnership between Bayside Council and Sydney Airport. The Community and Environment Projects Reserve Fund was established in 2018 to support local and environmentally focused projects over the following decade.

As part of this commitment, Sydney Airport has contributed $5 million towards some of the most exciting parts of the new aquatic centre – including the return of water slides and a fun-filled splash pad for kids of all ages.

Bayside Council officially kicked off the redevelopment in July, with a special sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of demolition works. Attendees included Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall, Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton, and Ford Civil CEO Alan Gordon, the company delivering the demolition, alongside Councillors Dr Christina Curry, Scott Morrisey and Ron Bezic.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said the project shows how long-term partnerships can bring real benefits to the local community. “Sydney Airport has been part of this community for more than a century and we’re proud to support this major project in partnership with Bayside Council,” Mr Charlton said.

“Botany Aquatic Centre is a special place for many in the Bayside community and Sydney Airport is delighted to be involved in bringing it into a new era. The upgraded facilities, including the new splash pad, will give families and future generations a fantastic space to connect, stay active, and cool off. We’re committed to supporting the communities that surround us and are excited to keep building on this momentum with Bayside Council through the Community and Environment Projects Reserve Fund.”

The new Botany Aquatic Centre will feature:

• Adventure waterplay and slides
• A 50-metre outdoor competition pool
• A 25-metre indoor lap pool and an indoor learn-to-swim pool
• A new entrance building with amenities, gym, kiosk, and change rooms
• A grandstand for spectators
• Shaded splash zones, grassed family areas and beautiful landscaping

Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall said the community had waited a long time for this upgrade. “I am excited to be able to celebrate the first step in bringing a fantastic facility to our community,” he said.

“I’d like to thank Sydney Airport for their generous financial contribution, which has enabled us to provide an exciting adventure waterplay for the community to enjoy. This is a very exciting day and a big win for our community and I look forward to the pool opening in the summer of 2027/28.”

Spring 2025. The Main Works, which include building the new pools, slides and buildings, will begin shortly after and continue through to completion.

Once finished, the new centre will be a hub for families, swimmers, school carnivals and weekend picnics – combining modern facilities with plenty of open green space.

For more details and to follow the project’s progress, visit Bayside Council’s Botany Aquatic Centre Redevelopment page.