Aquatic centre architects regroup following liquidation decision

Liverpool City Council has approved a development application and issued an EOI as it prepares to select a contractor for the brand-new Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre, supported by a $53.4 million Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant.

The DA was approved on October 1, and the council aims to select a main construction contractor in early 2027.

However, the project’s architect, Brewster Hjorth Architects (BHA), has gone into voluntary liquidation. The directors of the firm, Ian Brewster, Andrew Hjorth, Larry Melocco and Rus Manaf, who formed the core senior leadership at BHA, and who have a long history in the design of aquatic centres in Australia (amongst other projects), have now joined Fuse Architects as their civic team.

Fuse Architects director Rachid Andary says the people, knowledge and commitment to thoughtful public architecture that defined BHA continue through Fuse Architects.

“The depth of expertise within the former BHA team is immense, and the team is as motivated as ever to continue delivering outstanding public architecture,” he says.

Prior to going into liquidation, BHA completed and issued 60 per cent tender documentation for Liverpool Council on August 31, 2026. Fuse Architects intends to reach out to the tenderers for the Carnes Hill project, with the aim of exploring opportunities to work with them to deliver a facility that meets the community’s expectations for an investment of this significance.

Over the years BHA has designed a number of high profile Sydney aquatic centres including the Willoughby Leisure Centre and Ashfield Aquatic Centre. However, it is the well-documented construction problems at the newly opened North Sydney Olympic Pool that drew the practice into dispute with North Sydney Council, and ultimately led to the decision to liquidate.

When completed, the Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre will deliver a range of facilities, including a 25-metre, eight-lane indoor pool, a dedicated learn-to-swim pool and a children’s splash pad packed with fun waterplay features and a café kiosk, designed with a clear eye on community needs.

Council says these new facilities will give residents year-round access to high-quality swimming, fitness and family recreation, supporting healthier lifestyles and a more active and connected Liverpool.

IMAGE: Render of the approved Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Liverpool City Council