APP Group appointed to project manage redevelopment of North Sydney Olympic Pool

North Sydney Council has announced that it is to be supported by the APP Group in providing project management services for the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment.

North Sydney Council’s newly appointed General Manager, Therese Manns advised “securing experienced consultants to manage a project of this complexity and value is standard practice, particularly when separate design and construct contracts are in place.

“This project requires management with a high level of industry experience and expertise in the challenges of distressed projects.

“Over the past few years, while also being impacted by delays resulting from the La Nina conditions, local government councils across Sydney have delivered many very successful projects in partnership with external project management consultants including the Heffron Centre in Maroubra and the Waves Aquatic Centre in the Hills Shire.

“Despite being some way through the project, Council’s decision is important in ensuring we are in the best position to reduce project risks. A focus on driving down costs by not getting the expertise the project needs only leads to higher risks and higher costs.”

Explaining that APP had provided short term assistance in recent months which had allowed Council to reduce the number of outstanding variations from 60 to 39, Manns noted “APP’s expertise has been invaluable in resolving the complexity of variations and extension of time claims and as they are familiar with the project their appointment will allow us to proceed seamlessly.”

Over the past four months, North Sydney Council has recruited and onboarded its new Executive Leadership Team, with Gary Parsons recruited to the position of Director Open Space and Infrastructure.

Parsons has strong experience and qualifications in construction project management.

Acknowledging the workload and resilience of Council project staff, but emphasising that additional support is required, Parsons stated “our Council project staff on the ground have put a great effort into this project and will continue their work under the leadership of APP Group.”

Going on to say that she is confident the team was on the right track, Manns added “while we still have a number of challenges to work through in determining final project costs, Council has been working closely with ICON and other external contractors to ensure we keep the project operating as closely as possible to schedule.”

Meanwhile, plans for making the pool complex operational are well underway.

Council has appointed a Manager Leisure and Aquatics, Duncan Rennie, who has extensive experience in aquatic centre management and is quickly developing the forward business plan and service offering. Recruitment is now underway for other key leadership positions at the pool.

The contract practical completion date being pursued is now May 2024, after which the team will be on site readying the facility for opening.

Manns concluded “as the gym and indoor and outdoor pools take shape it is clear that this centre will offer something for everyone. I am confident that it will be much loved and well used from the moment the new doors open.”

Images: The concept for the redeveloped North Sydney Olympic Pool (top) and the Pool's iconic location beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge (below). Credit: North Sydney Council.