The National Capital Authority obtained preliminary information about proposed redevelopment plans for Canberra's Big Splash water park in early November, according to official documents.
Early Stage Discussions
PowerPoint slides detailing potential demolition and redevelopment of the Macquarie aquatic facility were submitted to the National Capital Design Review Panel on November 6. The presentation materials came from Translink Management Group, the current owners of Big Splash, who have expressed interest in replacing the water park with a hotel.
Sam Engele, Deputy Director-General of the City and Environment Directorate, clarified that while preliminary discussions occurred with planning advisors, no formal development proposal has been received. "We had an initial discussion with the planning advisors representing Big Splash about what potentially could occur on the site but without any specific details," Mr Engele stated during a committee hearing.
Government Position Clarified
Mr Engele emphasized the meeting's broad nature, covering multiple sites rather than focusing exclusively on Big Splash. Planning advisors appeared interested in understanding "what ambitions the government had for that site" and assessing the facility's current condition.
In a subsequent correction issued on Monday, Mr Engele confirmed that while presentation slides were received, they "do not constitute a development application or an application for a major plan amendment." The letter specifically noted that submission of these materials doesn't represent approval or endorsement of any proposal.
Planning Process and Zoning
Planning Minister Chris Steel has maintained that obtaining development approval remains a lengthy process, and providing information to authorities doesn't indicate official support for the project.
The Territory Planning Authority has confirmed it has no plans to rezone the site to permit residential housing, despite speculation about potential development options. This position aligns with previous statements from Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who categorically ruled out rezoning the Big Splash location.
The future of the popular aquatic facility remains uncertain as the preliminary planning process continues behind closed scenes.
