Long-standing businesses at the Centenary Pool precinct are being forced to relocate as the Spring Hill site is transformed into the National Aquatic Centre for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority took possession of the site on 1 September 2026, after the pool closed to the public at the end of August. Site preparations are now underway at the Gregory Terrace precinct following the end of 67 years of continuous community use.
Long-term tenants face costly moves
Among the businesses affected is orthodontist Dr Nick Kotsomitis, whose practice has operated from the Centenary Pool complex for more than three decades.
Kotsomitis has said his current lease was expected to continue until 2035 and that he spent more than $500,000 fitting out the practice after entering the agreement in 2017. Relocating specialised orthodontic equipment and establishing another clinic could cost more than $1 million.
Allied health provider The Health Collab has also operated from the precinct, offering physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, massage and other services from its Spring Hill premises.
Affected tenants have faced uncertainty over how they will be compensated for relocation and re-establishment costs. Queensland parliamentary debate on Brisbane 2032 infrastructure laws has acknowledged that Games projects can displace tenants and community businesses, while maintaining that existing compensation rights under other laws are not removed.
Inner-city swimmers lose a 67-year fixture
Centenary Pool opened in 1959 and became Brisbane’s first Olympic-standard swimming pool. The heritage-listed complex, designed by architect James Birrell, has served generations of residents through lap swimming, squad training, diving, fitness programs and recreation.
Before closing, the complex included a 50-metre outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, a heated 25-metre outdoor pool and other recreational facilities.
Its closure also reduces the number of public swimming options available to residents in Brisbane’s inner north, increasing attention on nearby alternatives including Newmarket Olympic Pool. Local concerns have focused on swimmers who rely on public aquatic facilities for exercise, rehabilitation and regular training.
Bigger aquatic centre planned for 2032
The Centenary Pool site will form part of the new National Aquatic Centre, which is proposed to host swimming, Para swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming during the Brisbane Games.
Plans include three new covered pools, high-performance facilities and about 8,000 permanent spectator seats, expanding to as many as 25,000 during the Games through temporary seating.
Existing heritage elements are expected to be incorporated into the redevelopment, while the completed centre is intended to remain available for community and high-performance use after 2032.
Published 2-Sept-2026
