The Price of Progress: A Brisbane Pool’s Unlikely Demise

The recent announcement that Centenary Pool in Brisbane will be closed and handed over to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) within weeks has left many in the city scratching their heads. While redevelopment plans for Victoria Park, including a National Aquatics Centre, are undoubtedly exciting, the haste with which this project is being pushed forward raises important questions about its impact on local businesses and community.

Not all businesses operating at the Centenary Pool Complex have been informed of their impending eviction as of writing. This lack of transparency is concerning, especially given the significant disruption that this will cause for those affected. Business owners have expressed shock and dismay at the short notice, with some only learning of the handover in mid-June.

The decision to close the pool in August and transfer ownership to GIICA on September 1 is a telling example of the city’s priorities when it comes to redevelopment. While hosting Olympic swimming events in 2032 is understandable, this should not come at the expense of long-standing community institutions like Centenary Pool. The pool has been a beloved fixture in Brisbane for nearly 70 years and its closure will undoubtedly be felt by locals who have grown up with it.

Some business owners were only informed of their impending eviction last month, while others remained unaware until this week. This lack of planning and communication is particularly concerning given the significant investment that these businesses have made in their premises. Nick Kotsomitis’ orthodontist practice, for example, had recently refurbished its Spring Hill location.

The redevelopment plans for Victoria Park are ambitious, but they should not come at the expense of local businesses and community institutions. The city’s leaders need to consider the human impact of their decisions. While the National Aquatics Centre is an exciting addition to the city’s sporting infrastructure, it is essential that this project respects the needs and concerns of those affected.

The closure of Centenary Pool raises important questions about the role of community institutions in the face of redevelopment. What does this mean for other long-standing businesses and venues in Brisbane? How will they be protected from similar displacement? The pace at which these developments are being pushed forward also begs the question: what’s next?

As the city prepares to host Olympic events in 2032, we can expect a string of closures. The answer lies not only with GIICA but also with Brisbane City Council and the State Government. They need to demonstrate a commitment to transparency, communication, and community engagement if they hope to win back public trust.

The Centenary Pool’s closure date looms large on the horizon, and it is clear that this story is far from over. We will be watching closely as this redevelopment unfolds, and we urge our readers to do the same. The fate of Centenary Pool serves as a stark reminder of the tension between progress and preservation in urban development.

The city’s leaders would do well to remember that redevelopment should not come at the expense of community institutions like Centenary Pool. As we navigate this delicate balance, it is essential that we prioritize the needs and concerns of those who will be most affected by these changes.