Upgrades to the Helensburgh pool could extend its life by another 30 years. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Helensburgh Memorial Pool will get a refurb over winter – one that may extend its life for another 30 years.
The toddlers pool will be resealed, repainted and retiled, the men’s and women’s bathrooms updated, a new Changing Places toilet and accessible toilet will be installed, the pool concourse will be resurfaced and concourse lighting improved, and new handrails, seating, shade and bike racks installed.
The ageing pool plant and equipment will also be replaced.
Wollongong City Council has begun the procurement process with the works scheduled to be completed before the end of the year.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the changes would improve the pool’s accessibility for all members of the community.
“We’re very grateful to those from the community who took the time to share their thoughts on the pool, it’s future and the steps we could take to improve it,’’ she said.
“While this budget does not allow for a new pool, we are able to deliver a significant number of upgrades and improvements that respond to the community feedback we’ve gathered about this project.
“For instance, we’ve retained the toddler pool as we had comments about the importance of having a shallow, shaded, separate area for young children.
“We’re also drastically improving the accessibility of the pool with the new Changing Places toilet like the ones we’ve got at Port Kembla Pool and Austinmer Beach, which is really important.
“Plus, like all our non-heated pools, it will be free to visit once it reopens.’’
The works on the pool are supported by grant funding from the NSW Government’s Multi Sport Community Facility Fund.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the NSW Government was committed to improving sporting facilities across the state so they better met the needs of local communities.
“Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and I look forward to seeing the Helensburgh community make a splash in their upgraded pool this summer,” he said.
