Sydney’s new aquatic centre was worth the wait

Approaching the new Parramatta Aquatic Centre from the top of the heritage parkland in which it sits, all that’s visible through stands of eucalypts is a fine metal ring that glimmers in low winter morning sunshine.

The swimming and wellness complex itself is embedded in the landscape: a 50-metre, 10-lane lap pool anchors the sunken circular courtyard delineated by a ringed walkway while smaller pools, kids’ play area, saunas and spas and a gymnasium are arrayed around, dug into the earth beneath Mays Hill, the traditional lands of the Burramattagal, an inland group of the Dharug people.