Builder appointed for North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment

Amid fears of rising costs for the project, North Sydney Council has announced its appointment of experienced sports facility builders Icon SI to redevelop the North Sydney Olympic Pool.

Amid fears that cost of the project, currently estimated at $63.9 million could go over budget, North Sydney Mayor, Jilly Gibson advised “the North Sydney Olympic Pool has served our community splendidly for 84 years.

“Sadly, age has taken its toll and the 50 metre pool, concourse and grandstand have deteriorated to the point that we can only operate with load restrictions. This redevelopment will mean our regular swimmers will be able to enjoy their harbourside swim for many decades to come.

“The redevelopment will also open the complex to new customers. We’ll have better swimming and play options for families, older people will be able to enjoy gentle exercise in warm water pools and we’ll be able to offer more aquatic and fitness classes and an expanded gymnasium. This will be a centre that meets the needs of future generations, not just a fortunate few.”

Describing the facility as the “world’s most beautiful pool”, Mayor Gibson added “I would like to thank the councillors who have the vision to build for the future and the staff who have worked hard for several years to get us to construction. I’m already looking forward to my first swim and aqua aerobics class in the new facility.”

Work to be undertaken in the redevelopment includes:

• Upgrading of the existing 50 and 25 metre pools with art deco features to be maintained, including the harbourside wall, sundeck and heritage stair tower.
• A new childrens’ waterplay area with a splash pad and water spray feature.
• A new warm water pool suitable for gentle exercise and other programs.
• An expanded gym with harbour views, separate spin and exercise rooms.
• A larger creche with private indoor and outdoor spaces.
• A new 970 person grandstand with permanent shade for sun-safe swimming carnivals.
• Ramp access to pools and accessible change rooms

Addressing the rising costs of the project, North Sydney Council General Manager, Ken Gouldthorp advised “the entire budget allocation, including the design phase, consultation, DA preparation, construction and an allowance for contingencies has increased from $57.9 million to $63.9 million.

“The cost of construction is within 5% of the estimate provided by Council’s quantity surveyors. This project has been well managed to this point and I am confident that Council has struck the right balance between maintaining the essential character of the pool and upgrading to 21st century standards that meet the needs and expectations of the community.”

Part of the Japanese Kajima Corporation which operates across 20 countries, Icon SI (Aust) Pty Ltd has an extensive portfolio of building aquatic and sports projects including the recently completed $15 million outdoor 50 metre pool at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre, the Ruth Everess Aquatic Centre in Auburn and the Camberwell Grammar Sports Centre.

However, the Sydney Morning Herald has highlighted that the company also built the troubled Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park. Widely reported cracks in the building led to debate about building construction standards.

A Federal Court decision last year said Icon had paid out in excess of $31 million as a result of the damage, including property rectification costs, alternative accommodation costs for residents and legal fees.

The North Sydney Olympic Pool will remain open until the end of February with booked swims in the 50 million pool, unless closed by a COVID-19 public health order. Council will then spend two to three weeks decommissioning the pool, including removing equipment and memorabilia, before handing the site to Icon SI to start construction.

The redeveloped North Sydney Olympic Pool is expected to be complete before Christmas 2022.”

Images: An artist’s impressions of the North Sydney Pool redevelopment (top, credit: North Sydney Council) and the facility's landmark location beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge (below).

Article corrected 17th January 2021. Previous version stated Icon SI were the builders of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre.