Centenary Pool’s past inspiring National Aquatic Centre’s future
As Brisbane’s heritage-listed Centenary Pool begins its transformation as part of the future National Aquatic Centre, the character of James “Jim” Birrell’s original design is continuing to shape what comes next.
Designed by the renowned Queensland architect and opened in 1959, Centenary Pool was conceived as more than a collection of pools. Jim Birrell carefully placed the complex within the landscape, creating a place that belonged in its parkland setting. Drawing inspiration from the culture of the late 1950s, Jim prioritised fun and excitement, capturing the era’s “zest for life” in an adventurous and distinctly modern design.
More than six decades later, Birrell’s vision continues to influence the new National Aquatic Centre through his son, landscape architect James Birrell. James is Director of Place Design Group, part of the wider design team led by Principal Architects ARM Architecture and NH Architecture, in partnership with Queensland-based Arkhefield.
Hear James Birrell reflect on his father’s design and how the same understanding of place and sense of fun are shaping the National Aquatic Centre in the video above.
James Birrell, Director of Place Design Group
James describes the National Aquatic Centre as Centenary Pool’s “big sister” — larger in scale and ambition, but connected through a shared respect for landscape, movement and experience.
A breezeway through the National Aquatic Centre will strengthen that relationship. It is designed to open views from the Centenary Pool pavilion and dive tower, through the new aquatic venue and towards the new Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park.
The connection between the two venues will carry Jim’s bold and optimistic approach into a new era — delivering an elite aquatic facility that honours its past while creating a welcoming venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and future generations of Queenslanders.
