What’s Happening?
Redland City Council has approved construction of the city’s first public swimming lagoon at Birkdale Community Precinct. The decision advances one of the central attractions planned along Old Cleveland Road East.
The lagoon plans include separate swimming areas for adults and children, alongside waterplay and a toddler splash zone. Plans also cover accessible beach and ramp entries, amenities, landscaping and the equipment needed to operate the facility.
A two-storey pavilion will sit beside the water, providing food, drink and community spaces. Together, these features will support swimming, recreation and longer family visits.
Why It Matters?
Community consultation found strong support for swimming, waterplay, active sport and family recreation at the precinct. Council says the project responds to calls for an affordable facility that welcomes people of all ages and abilities.
It will also add another major attraction to a site intended to serve residents and visitors. This could strengthen Birkdale Community Precinct as a regular recreation and tourism destination.
Local Impact
For local families, the lagoon will provide another option for affordable recreation close to home. Its size and range of facilities could also encourage longer visits and support tourism across the Redlands Coast.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty described the intended community benefit.
“This investment will deliver a high-capacity, family-friendly place for residents and visitors to swim, play and spend time together.” Council announcement
She said families could visit for a morning, afternoon or full day, depending on how they wanted to use it. The flexible design is also intended to make repeat visits practical for families and community groups.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Warwick Agnew also congratulated the Major Projects team and everyone involved in progressing the work.
By the Numbers
- About 2,000 square metres of water will cover the adult lagoon, children’s lagoon and waterplay areas.
- Construction is planned to begin in mid-2027, with the work expected to take about two years.
- Close to 400,000 visitors could use the lagoon each year once the wider precinct is operating.
Zoom In
Children will be able to join swimming lessons or spend time in the waterplay and toddler areas. Meanwhile, parents and grandparents could swim laps, cool off or relax in shaded areas nearby.
Council has also identified lagoon movie nights and water safety programs as possible community activities. These uses would allow the facility to serve casual visitors, regular swimmers and organised groups throughout the year.
Zoom Out
The lagoon will sit beside the Redland Whitewater Centre within the wider Birkdale Community Precinct. This location will connect family swimming with rafting, paddling, athlete training and emergency rescue programs.
The whitewater centre will operate throughout the year as a recreation, tourism and training facility. The Australian and Queensland governments will jointly fund it.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority will deliver the whitewater centre. Both projects form part of Council’s long-term plans before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
What To Look For Next?
Council will begin an expression of interest process to appoint a construction partner for the lagoon. Work is planned to start in mid-2027 and continue for about two years.
If that schedule is maintained, completion around mid-2029 would place the lagoon well ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games. Redlands Coast families could then use the facility several years before the Games begin.
