Today, avid swimming duo David and Helen O’Brien swam their last laps at the Canterbury Leisure and Aquatic Centre as they know it… they now eagerly await the construction of a brand-new state-of-the-art facility.

The new $61 million leisure and aquatic centre will feature a 50-metre outdoor pool, 25-metre indoor pool, indoor heated therapy pool, zero-depth children’s water play area, accessibly change facilities, an onsite cafe, sauna, gym and fitness centre and much more.

Mr O’Brien, who grew up in Earlwood, said that while he does feel some nostalgia towards the pool he’s swam in since he was 10, he is excited for a new era to begin.

“As a child I have fond memories of the diving pool and jumping off the diving tower… school carnivals and sitting in the grandstand… and spending time at the pool in the school holidays,” said the 68-year-old.

“For at least the past 23 years, I have been swimming at the pool regularly. I swim about one-two kilometres every morning.

“I have noticed there has been a depreciation in the centre over the years… I know it gets to a point where it is not economically viable to keep running an old pool like this.

“But I’ve spoken to a lot of the guys in the change rooms and everyone is looking forward to the new centre.”

Over the coming months the current 64-year-old facility will be decommissioned, with construction due to commence soon after.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said he’s excited for what’s to come.

“The design for the new centre was the result of extensive engagement and in-depth consultations with community members and industry experts,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“This is a huge win for our community, soon they’ll have world-class facilities right on their doorstep that that they will be able to enjoy for decades to come.”

The project is part of Council’s $170 million strategic plan, which aims to renew and revitalise Council’s services and facilities to improve community health and wellbeing.

To keep up to date with the project, visit cb.city/CLAC