City of Melbourne has redeveloped the much-loved Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre in JJ Holland Park.

The previous centre was in operation since 1976 and no longer met accessibility requirements or needs of the growing community.

After two rounds of community consultation, the design was endorsed by Council in 2020 and construction started in 2022.

The new centre is now open and features:

  • A 25 metre indoor pool with eight lanes.
  • A learn to swim pool to help build essential swimming skills. 
  • A children’s water play area with spouts and fountains. 
  • Improved gym facilities with modern equipment and 24-hour access. 
  • Accessible change rooms, and a Changing Places facility funded by the Victorian Government. 
  • Three full-sized multipurpose courts. 
  • Health and wellness areas for an array of group fitness classes. 
  • A community meeting room. 
  • A café – open seven days a week.

Find out more

For more information about memberships, swimming lessons, group fitness and more, please visit Active Melbourne - Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Consultation closed

News

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Community consultation - phase one

    29 January to 1 March 2019

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Develop draft concept design

    April to July 2019

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Community consultation - phase two

    2 September to 4 October 2019

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    Finalise concept design

    Late 2019 - 2020

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    Design development and documentation

    Mid 2020

  • Timeline item 6 - complete

    Design endorsed by Future Melbourne Committee

    1 December 2020

  • Timeline item 7 - complete

    Tender preparation and process

    First half of 2021

  • Timeline item 8 - complete

    Council to appoint contractor

    Second half of 2021

  • Timeline item 9 - complete

    Construction

    Construction started in late 2021

  • Timeline item 10 - complete

    Centre to open

    Doors to the new Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre officially opened 6am Monday 29 September 2025

Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Community consultation

Feedback we heard to shape the Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre design.

Draft concept design

See the draft concept design for the Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre that was presented for consultation at the end of 2019.

Contact us

Have questions or want to learn more about the project?