Arena Joondalup laps up new 50m pool!

• The Cook Government delivers for Perth’s north as Arena Joondalup opens new pool today, Friday 27 February
• The $13 million project delivers a state-of-the-art aquatic facility
• A celebratory Family Fun Day will follow on the Labour Day public holiday, Monday 2 March
  

Swimmers are making a splash in Perth’s northern suburbs after Arena Joondalup’s new 50m pool opened to the public today.

The opening marks a major milestone for the community, delivering a modern, flexible and competition-ready aquatic facility designed to meet growing demand for decades to come.

The $13 million project, funded by the Cook Government, significantly enhances Arena Joondalup’s aquatic offerings and strengthens the venue’s role as a key hub for sport, recreation and community connection in Perth’s north.

Owned and operated by VenuesWest, Arena Joondalup drew just over 1.3 million patrons in the 2024/25 financial year, trailing only Optus Stadium (1.8 million) for total patronage out of the 14 venues in VenuesWest’s portfolio.

The new lap pool delivers at the standard required for WA’s most elite swimmers, featuring 10 lanes, starting blocks at both ends, upgraded timing equipment and a deepened shallow end compared to the former pool.

A submersible dividing wall allows the pool to convert to short-course mode with up to 20 lanes, provide space for water polo or a range of aquatic sports and programs.

Accessibility was a key focus of the development. The new pool has ramp and stair access that allows easy entrance and exit from the pool, wheelchair seating on pool deck, while upgraded change rooms and universal access toilets have also come to the aquatic hall.

Safety has been enhanced through the installation of AI-powered drowning prevention technology in both the new 50m pool and the recently refurbished family leisure pool. The system is the same technology credited with saving a swimmer’s life at Inglewood Leisure in 2025.

An expansion of the hall and addition of a storage room increases the footprint of the venue and allows more space for patrons to safely move around pool side.

Visitors will also be welcomed by an entry statement art piece, created in collaboration between Arena Joondalup staff and Aboriginal students from St Catherine’s College, which complements the contemporary design of the new pool hall and the stunning new artwork from local artist Rick Vermey.

To celebrate the opening, Arena Joondalup will host a Family Fun Day on Monday 2 March, coinciding with the Labour Day public holiday. The event will feature pool activities, food, entertainment and opportunities for the community to explore the new facility.

For more information, visit the Arena Joondalup website or follow the venue on social media.

Quotes attributed to Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, Minister for Sport and Recreation:

“The opening of the Arena Joondalup 50m pool is a significant milestone for families and swimmers in Perth’s northern suburbs.

“Our government is proud to deliver this state‑of‑the‑art facility for the whole community, from families and children through to the best swimmers in our state.

“Swimming pools bring communities together and this investment will support active, healthy lifestyles for Western Australians for many years to come.”

Quotes attributed to Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:

“Today’s opening is fantastic news for our local community and a proud moment for Arena Joondalup.

“This facility provides the high quality aquatic infrastructure our residents deserve and will become the northernmost 50m pool in Perth’s growing metropolitan area.

“Swimming is such an important part of West Australian life, and I’m excited to see this new pool bring people together while supporting health, wellbeing and community connection.”

Quotes attributed to VenuesWest CEO David Etherton:

“The opening of the new pool marks a game‑changing upgrade for Arena Joondalup and our customers.

“This facility offers versatility and features that were simply not possible in the previous pool, supporting everything from family recreation to elite competition.

“We sincerely thank our members and the community for their patience during construction and look forward to welcoming Arena Swim Club back, along with local swimmers and families, to enjoy the new pool.”