Members of the Community Advisory Group have now been appointed and are providing strategic advice and input for this project.
The Shire of York would like to thank everyone who submitted an Expression of Interest and showed interest in contributing to the future of the project.
Further updates regarding the York Aquatic Centre Project will be provided as the project progresses.
Community Feedback Opportunity
Forrest Oval Precinct Vision Plan
As part of the York Aquatic Facility project, we have also looked at how the new facility could connect with the broader Forrest Oval Precinct.
This Vision Plan looks at some of the opportunities for the area and how the precinct could develop over time.
It is not a detailed masterplan. It is a high-level concept that helps show what could be possible and gives some direction for future planning.
At this stage, the Vision Plan has not been approved or funded, but it has been reviewed by the Shire of York Elected Members.
The aim is to start a conversation about how we can create a more connected, welcoming and enjoyable recreation space for the community.
We would like to hear what you think. This will help us with longer term future planning.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FORREST OVAL PRECINCT VISION PLAN
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY
Survey closes at 4.00pm on Friday, 18 September 2026.
The results of this feedback will be considered by the Community Advisory Group before being referred to the Council of the Shire of York.
Updates on the project and the outcomes of this consultation will continue to be published on this page.
Thank you for your input
Protecting your privacy
Contact details collected through this consultation will be used for the purposes of administering and assessing the Shire of York Aquatic Facility feedback questions.
If you’d like to be contacted about follow-up engagement or kept up to date with this engagement as it progresses, you can leave your details at the end of the survey. Contact details will not be used for unrelated purposes and will be managed in accordance with the Shire's recordkeeping and Privacy Policy
Project Status
- A consultant has been appointed and architectural/ engineering design is underway.
- Hames Sharley brings experience from delivering over 40 aquatic and recreation facilities across Australia.
- Development of concept plans is the next key milestone.
- A consultant has been appointed to prepare a Business Case and work with the Shire to develop grant applications for key State and Federal funding programs.
- A Community Advisory Group has been established to support and guide the project.
- The project team is working closely with key user groups to manage and minimise impacts on their operations during development.
- Community members can receive project updates by registering via projects@york.wa.gov.au (please include Pool Communications in the email subject line).
- The proposed facility will be located in the north‑west corner of the Forrest Oval Recreation Centre.
Project Timeline
- Feasibility Study received
Council resolved to commence planning for a new aquatic facility including a 50 metre pool - April 2024
- Site selection decision - The proposed pool location was discussed at the Council meeting on 26 November 2024; however, no decision was made.
- Site Selection – pool location was settled with the Council resolving to plan for a new facility located on the north west corner of the Recreation Precinct.- February 2025
- Engagement with impacted user groups to plan for relocation - Ongoing
- Establishment of Project Advisory Group - Completed July 2026
- Contract for design consultancy - Awarded December 2025
- Schematic and site investigations - March 2026
- Concept Design - August 2026
- Detailed Design - October 2026
- Business Case - 2026/27
- Key decision point - funding confidence – June 2027
- Planning for rehabilitation of existing pool site - Progressing in 2026/27
- Tender development - commencing October 2027
- Key Decision Point - Funding secured and move to construction stage – October 2027
- Construction Contractor appointed - January 2028
- Construction commencing - April 2028
- Project completion - June 2029
Relevant Documents
Pool Condition Reports
Feasiblity Study
Council Reports
Council Minutes 17 March 2008
Council Minutes 21 March 2016
Council Minutes 26 June 2017
Council Minutes 29 April 2019
Council Minutes 28 September 2021
Council Minutes 23 April 2024
Council Minutes 26 November 2024
Council Minutes 25 February 2025
Council Minutes 16 December 2025
Planning for new aquatic facility
Geotechnical Report
SWOT Decision Matrix Site Selection
Recommended Site
FAQs
Why do we need a new pool?
After serving the community for 60 years the existing swimming pool facility has reached end of life and needs replacement.
Can’t it just be repaired?
Repairing the existing pool is not considered viable due to its age, hidden structural issues identified in engineering reports, and the significant cost of bringing it up to modern compliance standards, including disability access and fire safety. Renewal of the facility requires adherence to current legislation, making a full replacement the most practical option.
Has a decision been made to build a new pool?
Council has resolved to progress planning towards a new 50-metre pool. There are multiple decision points where the Council will be asked to Red Light/ Green Light the project. Until a formal decision to progress to construction, we remain in the planning phase.
Will the community be able to have a say on the design?
The Shire is committed to continuous community engagement during the design phase, there will be multiple opportunities for input.
Addition to FAQs
What will happen to the Early years Hub?
The value of the Early Years services is recognised, but the current building is in poor condition and is not fit for purpose. Plans for transitioning to a new space will be initiated as part of the Design Phase. There is significant opportunity to enhance, not displace the early years services by incorporating a purpose built design into the planning.
Temporary arrangements will be made during the transition phase.
What about the outdoor basketball courts?
The outdoor courts are used extensively by the York District High School, York Basketball Club and York Netball Club, as well as casual use.
New courts will be incorporated into the design phase. A location to the south of the pool site has been identified. There are no plans to repurpose any of the current tennis courts
During construction options include increased access to the indoor basketball court as well as increased community use of the school facilities.
Will the indoor stadium and tearooms be demolished?
These facilities will not be affected by the development.
