Long afternoons and lasting memories

Constructed in 1966, the Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool quickly became an institution – particularly for those wanting to enjoy Melbourne’s warmer months.

‘In summer, you either went to the beach, a mate’s backyard pool or straight to Carnegie,’ Leor says. ‘It was always one of the go-to spots.’

That grassy hill, the old diving boards, faded brick walls – it’s a scene locals know well.

If you grew up in the area, chances are you spent long afternoons there, splashing around with friends and perfecting your best dive.

You may have even caught Leor himself there a time or twenty!

'Back when I was a kid, I'd spend every summer holiday with my friends sitting on the hill,' Leor shares. ‘We’d swim and watch people do tricks off the diving board – it was always the highlight of our break.’

 

 

Cracks begin to appear

Like all well-loved things, the pool started to wear out as time went on.

Cracks, leaks and years of use took their toll. Ultimately, the community decided it was time for a change.

Glen Eira Council has been planning an upgrade since 2015, asking locals what they wanted. And by 2019, the vision was clear: a swim centre with indoor and outdoor pools.

But in November 2020, before those plans could take shape, a major leak was found, forcing the facility to close its doors – indefinitely.

‘It was a huge loss for the community at the time,’ Leor says. ‘People had to travel further just to go for a swim, and it really left a gap.’

Since then, Carnegie has waited. Wondering when its favourite summer spot would return.

 

 

Bringing a community’s vision to life

You know what they say: good things come to those who wait.

‘Carnegie has a lot of great parks and open spaces,’ Leor states. ‘But when it comes to community centres over the last few years, they’ve diminished a bit.’

The pool’s project team knew this and headed into the build with big ideas. They didn’t just want to rebuild the pool – they wanted to enhance it so it could serve the community for years to come.

And after a lot of careful planning, construction for the $75 million project kicked off in 2023.

It started with a complete demolition. Then, they began building the new structure, including indoor and outdoor pools, landscaping works and all the associated services.

Finally, on 8 January 2025, the new pool opened for business!

‘It was a long time coming,’ Leor says. ‘But it’s transformed into something brand new. Something the community can really be proud of.’

 

 

Modern upgrades, timeless appeal

Stepping into the reimagined Carnegie pool feels both familiar and brand new.

The famous grassy hill remains, as do the diving boards, post-war-style signage and original brickwork, honouring the site’s heritage.

But beyond that, everything has changed.

‘It’s exactly what the community wanted,’ Leor says. ‘To have the return of the old, but with the modern fit out, is definitely a drawcard back to the area.’

One of the biggest alterations is the addition of a 25m indoor pool and a fully accessible warm-water pool.

Outside? There’s a 50m outdoor pool and – of course – a splash pad. Because why not?

And for those looking to do more than just swim, there’s now a café, gym, Pilates studio, spa, sauna and steam room.

The best part? The council intends to apply for a Green Star rating in response to the recent declaration of climate emergency and net zero emissions by 2025. This makes the pool good for the community – and the environment.

 

 

Why not cool off in Carnegie?

If you ask us, there’s no better place to spend the sunny days.

The outdoor pool is ready for long, lazy afternoons and the diving boards are back for those keen to test their skills. Or you can kick back on the grassy hill and soak it all in – just like the good old days.

‘It’s exactly what Carnegie needed,’ Leor says. ‘Well done to the council and the community for getting it up and running again.’

For our Carnegie Director, seeing his childhood swimming spot brought back to life has come with a wave of nostalgia.

‘Once again, the pool is a space where people can come together, get a membership or just a day pass, and feel a sense of community involvement.

‘It feels like the pool’s redevelopment was the last piece of the puzzle to really show what Carnegie has to offer.’

 

 

Spotlighting summer’s suburb to be

As we all know, the pool isn’t the only thing making a splash in Carnegie.

‘The pool has only enhanced the suburb’s appeal, complementing its many existing perks. Carnegie offers easy access to public transport, natural retreats like Lord Reserve and Koornang Park – and, of course, the vibrant Koornang Road shopping strip!

‘Sometimes, it just feels good to admire all the facilities Carnegie has to offer.’

But admittedly, the pool was that one last link. ‘It was the last thing that needed to come back, and now it’s finally here.’

So, on your next day off, why not head down to Carnegie? We promise, you won’t regret it.

 

Looking for more ways to make the most of summer in Melbourne? Check out The Peer Blog for our top tips.