World Aquatics Championships (WCH) Arena to be Enhanced with Additional Features

The World Aquatics Championships (WCH) Arena was one of the venues that hosted the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, which took place from 11 July to 3 August 2025. (Credit: World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025 Organising Committee)

Singapore, 12 December 2025 – Following an introductory period, the World Aquatics Championships (WCH) Arena will be closed from 1 January 2026 for enhancement works that will allow the public to enjoy playing and watching sport in this world-class facility for the longer term. The WCH Arena was a key feature of the Championships (11 July to 3 August 2025), captivating global audiences and making sporting history as multiple world, Championship and national records were broken.

It was announced in Parliament on 15 October 2025 that the use of the WCH Arena would be extended until 2030. The WCH Arena will complement existing ActiveSG swimming facilities, and be open for both public use and national team training.

When it reopens in Q2 2026, the WCH Arena would have undergone several enhancement works, including the upgrading of temporary infrastructure to comply with regulatory standards for more permanent infrastructure. Key enhancements will include a new sheltered walkway, improved lift access, a reconfigured pool with an updated filtration system compliant with NEA requirements, a dry-dive facility for diving training, and permanent spectator seating. These enhancements will improve the venue’s accessibility and strengthen its capacity to host local, regional, and international competitions, positioning it as a prime location for major aquatics events, such as the 2029 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and ASEAN Para Games.

A Symbol of National Pride and Sporting Excellence

Built specifically for WCH Singapore 2025, the WCH Arena stands as a symbol of national pride and sporting excellence. During the Championships, these lanes witnessed three world records, 12 Championship records, and remarkable performances including Singapore's own Gan Ching Hwee, who broke three national records in this pool and inspired a new generation of local athletes.

The competition pool was also where Katie Ledecky shattered the 1500m freestyle world record and Leon Marchand dominated the individual medley events. Beyond the opportunity to swim in a world-class facility when WCH Arena re-opens, everyday swimmers can also experience the Championships history first-hand.

“The WCH Arena is more than just a competition venue; it embodies a legacy of national pride, sporting excellence, and community spirit,” said Mr Alan Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Singapore (SportSG). “By upgrading the facility and ensuring it remains a space for both elite training and public use, we are reinforcing its role in fostering sports development and bringing world-class conditions closer to Singaporeans. These enhancements will continue to support our athletes, while providing opportunities for the community to experience the thrill of international-standard events. It will remain a space where dreams are built — from the next generation of champions to sports enthusiasts across various disciplines.”

Introductory period for WCH Arena to run until 31 December 2025

The WCH Arena features two 3-metre deep swimming pools – a competition pool and a training pool – both built to international competition standards. The competition pool is open to swimmers aged 16 and above, while the training pool is reserved for national team training.

The public can continue to enjoy exclusive introductory rates from now until 31 December 2025, before the facility closes for enhancement works. The WCH Arena is currently open daily from 8am to 9.30pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays for pool maintenance. Additional details on ticket prices, operating hours and facility information can be found at https://www.activesgcircle.gov.sg/facilities/world-aquatics-championships-wch-arena.

Currently, visitors can purchase swim passes under “Feature Pool” on MyActiveSG+ at https://activesg.gov.sg/. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can offset their entry fees using their ActiveSG credits.

More details on the enhanced facility will be shared closer to the re-opening date.