Birrell legacy lives on in National Aquatic Centre design

Designed by renowned Queensland architect James "Jim" Birrell and opened in 1959, Centenary Pool has long been recognised as one of Brisbane's, and Australia's, most significant public spaces. 

More than six decades later, Birrell's vision continues to influence the site through the involvement of his son, landscape architect James Birrell, Director of Place Design Group, part of the wider design team for the National Aquatic Centre. 

The award-winning design team consisting of ARM Architecture, Queensland’s Arkhefield and NH Architecture has delivered the initial concept designs for Queensland’s new home of aquatic sports. The team is delivering a venue that respects the heritage significance of Centenary Pool while creating a world-class aquatic facility for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and future generations of Queenslanders. 

This existing complex will sit alongside three new covered Games-use pools, a gym, high-performance and office spaces, creating a facility that honours the past while looking firmly to the future.  

Drawing on extensive research into the original design and his father's vision for the site, James Birrell brings a unique perspective to the project. As a landscape architect, his focus extends beyond the pools themselves to how the NAC will connect with the surrounding landscape of Victoria Park. 

The result is a venue designed to sit naturally within its parkland setting, creating what Birrell describes as a series of "pools in a park" for both elite sport and community recreation.