The future of Canberra’s Big Splash Water Park remains uncertain, with Access Canberra confirming it will not terminate the site’s Crown lease while community groups warn key attractions could still be lost.

In a statement, Access Canberra said it had decided against ending the lease for the Macquarie site after inspections and engagement with operators, citing recent clean-up works and plans to reopen the venue as an aquatic facility by November 1.

The regulator said operators intended to retain the 50-metre pool and associated amenities, with inspectors to continue monitoring progress through regular site visits.

However, Access Canberra also noted the operators have flagged plans to lodge a development application to demolish the park’s waterslides and some damaged infrastructure. No application has yet been submitted.

Community campaign group Save Big Splash has criticised the decision, arguing it allows the gradual loss of the facility without consequences for the leaseholder.

“This is not saving Big Splash, it’s losing it quietly,” the group said in a statement.

The group said retaining the pool alone would not preserve the character of the long-running water park, warning the removal of the slides would fundamentally change the site.

“A 50 metre pool is not Big Splash. Canberrans know the difference,” the statement said.

Save Big Splash also questioned earlier comments from ACT ministers about the future of the facility, pointing to assurances made earlier this year about restoring the park.

Concerns have also been raised by aquatic advocacy groups, with Caroline Luke-Evered, chair of the Aquatic Coalition of Pool Users and Urban Swimmers, calling on the government to oppose any move to demolish the slides.

She said it was premature to allow irreversible changes while the ACT’s aquatic strategy was still being developed.

“It is unacceptable to allow irreversible changes like demolition before the community has had its say and the strategy is finalised,” she said.

Access Canberra said any future development application would be subject to assessment under the Territory Plan, including a formal public notification process.

Save Big Splash has indicated it will oppose any such application, saying it plans to mobilise community support and make formal submissions if demolition plans proceed.