Geocon has submitted a number of structural amendments to its controversial application to redevelop the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre into a mixed-use apartment complex with a smaller, 25-metre pool.
Just over 40 tweaks to the original plans, which were approved in December 2025, have been put before the planning authority.
None of the amendments would make "substantial" changes to the look of the development, the application said, but would instead "improve the functionality and constructability of the development".
"These amendments refine the functionality of the approved street and servicing interface, but do not substantially alter the approved relationship between the development, surrounding streets and public realm," the application said.
The changes to the publicly accessible areas of the development include the addition of a swing gate, the extension of the pool facade and seating in the pool lobby. The pool and cafe receptions would be combined into one area under the new plans.
The accessible change rooms and family rooms have been resized and additional toilets would be added. These changes would "improve user amenity and accessibility while maintaining the overall proposed development as previously approved," the application said.
The number of staff car parks would be reduced from 12 to 10 to make way for lift equipment on the second of the four car park basements. These car parks would be replaced on the third and fourth levels, bringing the total number of car parks to 341. More car parks are planned to be added in the later stages of the development.
Changes within the two apartment blocks include the addition of awning windows, sliding doors, glass swing doors and balcony curtain walls to some units, as well as flipped bathroom layouts and relocated downpipes and air-conditioning units. A pet wash station would be added to the second level car park.
The service laneway between Irving Street and Melrose Drive has also been regraded to improve drainage under the new application.
Minor updates have been made to landscaping plans around the publicly accessible splash pad and the resident amenity areas to accommodate the structural changes.
Geocon, headed by Canberra-based developer Nick Georgalis, purchased the Phillip Aquatic Centre just days after the draft Territory Plan was amended to remove the requirement that the new owner would retain the 50-metre pool.
The plan to reduce the pool to 25 metres and develop the site to include the new apartment buildings, was met with intense criticism from locals, who wished to retain the original size of the pool.
In June, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry conceded the public service had let down the community after it was revealed a detailed needs analysis showing there was no need for a 50-metre pool in Woden had never been performed.
Opposition Leader Mark Parton later referred the decision to remove the requirement to the ACT's corruption watchdog.
Both the ACT government and Mr Georgalis have denied meeting before the requirement was removed.
Public consultation on the amendment will end on Tuesday, August 11.
