In a dramatic turn for one of Canberra's favourite summer destinations, the Big Splash water park has been forcibly repossessed by the consortium of lenders funding its mortgage. The seizure comes at the height of summer, leaving the site shuttered and its future in serious doubt.
Notice of Possession Posted at Closed Site
A formal notice of possession is now affixed to the fence of the deserted park, confirming that the lenders have taken control of the land. The action is being managed by the Sydney-based finance law firm Kingston & Partners.
The lending group behind the move is a consortium of several entities. They are identified as Goodland Alpha, Foodie Family, ATF Jiang Family Trust, CA Capital Management, Nouri Superannuation and the ATF Nouri Family Superannuation Fund.
The owner, Translink Management Group, led by Songnan "Morris" Huang, has so far remained silent on the repossession. Their representatives, Canberra consultants Purdon, have also not released a statement.
A Park Left to Decay
The Big Splash site has been closed to the public for more than a year. During this time, it has fallen into a state of disrepair and has suffered from vandalism. Last year, Purdon shared photographs of the damaged premises, strongly suggesting the park would not reopen under the current leaseholder.
The repossession halts any immediate redevelopment plans. Just one month prior, in December 2025, Translink had unveiled early concept plans that proposed a significant shift for the site. The designs featured 250 "commercial accommodation" units and a single indoor pool, notably excluding all water slides and the existing four pools that once defined the family attraction.
An Uncertain Future for a Canberra Icon
The repossession throws the long-term future of the prime Canberra location into complete uncertainty. With the lenders now in control, it is unclear whether the site will be sold, redeveloped according to new plans, or if there is any remote possibility of reviving the water park concept.
The community is left without a key recreational venue, and the visual of the neglected park serves as a sad reminder of its former popularity. Kingston & Partners has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
This development marks another chapter in the protracted saga of Big Splash, leaving Canberrans to wonder what will become of the landmark site.
