Hundreds of Brisbane residents are fighting to save their local pool on the site of the now-defunct Griffith University Mount Gravatt campus.
The Mount Gravatt Aquatic and Fitness Centre sits on the Griffith University campus, located at the edge of Toohey Forest on the eastern side of the Pacific Motorway.
The 55-year-old campus closed earlier this year as the university consolidates resources on its Brisbane South campus at Nathan and a new Brisbane City campus, set to open in 2027 at the historic Treasury Building in the CBD.
The Mount Gravatt Aquatic and Fitness Centre is due to close at the end of the year.Credit: WikiCommons
The Mount Gravatt pool is due to close when the university’s lease with the state government ends at the end of the year. The land will be transferred back to the state government.
Nearly 1000 people have signed a petition calling for the state government to find a new operator for the swimming pool, saying the aquatic centre is an important community space for residents and nearby school students.
“Sadly, this beloved community facility faces closure by the end of 2025 unless a new operator is found,” the petition reads.
“It has been a vital congregation point, a place where health, fitness, community spirit, and local camaraderie thrive.
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“Closing these doors would not only disrupt the local swim programs and children’s swimming education but would also mark a significant loss in promoting overall community well-being.”
One petitioner said the closure would be “an absolute waste”.
“I cannot believe this is even a consideration to close this valuable community space,” the petitioner wrote.
The university bought the Treasury Building (long home to the Treasury Casino) from casino operator Star Entertainment for $67.5 million last year.
It plans to transform the heritage-listed Queen Street building into a learning hub for its business, IT, and law faculties, as well as a centre for post-graduate and executive education.
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