An iconic chapter of Brisbane’s sporting and social history is drawing to a close, as the heritage-listed Centenary Pool prepares to shut its doors at the end of August. The historic venue will undergo a multi-million-dollar redevelopment to prepare the city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

First opened in 1959 to mark Brisbane’s centenary, the pool was the city’s first Olympic-standard swimming facility. It was constructed during a golden age of Australian swimming, riding high on the nation’s sensational eight-gold-medal haul at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

A Mid-Century Architectural Masterpiece

Designed by the visionary Brisbane City architect James Birrell, the complex was far more than just a place to swim. It was a cultural and social hub, famously featuring a distinctive "floating" restaurant suspended above the water that became a premier destination for weddings, high society gatherings, and dignitaries.

While James Birrell passed away in 2019, his legacy lives on through the structure. His son, Jack Birrell, now an architect himself, recalls walking through the construction site as a child with his father. "He talked a lot about his role as a city architect, and how he had an ethical and moral obligation to make public buildings not just financially viable, but the most they could possibly be for all people," Mr. Birrell shared.

Decades of Community Memories

For generations of Brisbane residents, the Centenary Pool has been the backdrop to countless summer memories. Local resident Donna Hansen, 67, remembers spending entire summer days at the facility during her childhood. "We would go from when it opened to when it closed," she recalled. "It was amazing... a really good part of my childhood."

For others, the memories are tied to the unique sights and smells of the venue over the decades. Allana French, who has been swimming at the pool for 40 years, fondly remembers the distinct aromas from the 1970s and 80s. "I can remember when you would take a breath and you could smell curries coming from the restaurant," she said, referring to the Indian restaurant that once operated above the deck.

Greg Mahony, 79, who visited the pool as a schoolboy, recalls the thrill and trepidation of the high diving tower. "It was all good fun, jumping off the high tower," he said, recalling how crowds of young swimmers would leap into the deep end before drying off on the hot concrete concourse.

The Road to 2032

On September 1, operations at the pool will officially cease as the keys are handed over to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA). The authority is tasked with transforming the heritage site into the new National Aquatic Centre, which will feature three state-of-the-art pools and permanent grandstand seating for 8,800 spectators.

While the upgrade represents a major leap forward for Brisbane's sporting infrastructure, community advocates are keen to ensure the site’s historical significance isn't lost. Former Olympic swimmer Mark Stockwell, who won three medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, successfully campaigned for the site's heritage listing in the 1990s.

Mr. Stockwell emphasizes that the pool was originally a gift to the people of Brisbane, and its soul must be preserved as it transitions into its next chapter. "I think that’s an important history, and it’s an important thing to preserve," he said, expressing hope that the facility will continue to serve local families while fostering the next generation of Australian swimming champions.