The South Lake Leisure Centre opened in February 1992 at the cost of $5 million. The project was the first recreation centre for the City of Cockburn and initially called The Lakes Complex. It was built in partnership with the Ministry of Education at Lakeland High School next door.

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When it opened, the complex featured a heated 25-metre, six-lane pool with an adventure and waterslide area, sauna, spa, a drop-in centre for young people, community hall and a fully equipped gymnasium.

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The Leisure Centre closed at the end of May 2017, which coincided with the opening of the $109 million Cockburn ARC recreation centre located in Cockburn Central West.