City of Sydney’s Andrew 'Boy' Charlton Pool to close for critical works

The City of Sydney has advised that its famous Andrew 'Boy' Charlton Pool on the edge of Sydney Harbour at The Domain will close for more than a year for essential maintenance and the conversion of its gas heating system to electricity.

Set to start in May, when the facility closes for winter, and expected to finish by September 2025, works will include the full replacement of the tiles in the main 50-metre pool and the smaller program pool, as well as concrete and steel maintenance of the pool structure.

A new lift and decking will also be installed.

An internal note from City of Sydney Chief Executive Monica Barone last month, advised “while it is closed, we will convert the heating system from gas to electric as part of our transition to 100% renewable energy.”

In the wake of delays to the rebuilding of the North Sydney Olympic Pool and the replacement of the seawall at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday published a news item This Sydney icon will be closed for more than a year. Why do pool works take so long?, questioning the 16 month works program.

Responding to the article, City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore referred to the title as being “glib”, taking to social media to advise “there’s much more work that needs to happen than a simple ‘re-tile’.”

Lord Mayor Moore went on to state “we need to complete essential maintenance of the pool’s concrete and steel structure, which suspends the pool over the Harbour.

“We need to replace the waterproof membrane on both the main 50m pool and the smaller 20m program pool.

“We’re installing a new lift and decking.

“And yes, we’re also retiling.

“Given those works had to happen to ensure the continued safe operation of the pool, we’re using the closure to also future proof by replacing the gas heating system with electric heat pumps.

“The City is committed to tackling climate change and we aim to reach our net zero goal by 2035. All of our operations are powered by 100% renewable electricity and transitioning away from polluting fossil fuels will be crucial to reducing emissions in the City’s operations.

“Maintaining outdoor pools, particularly in difficult to access environments like this one (the pool is literally built off the cliff face extending over the saltwater Harbour!) is incredibly challenging work. It takes time to get right.

“Works will begin when we close the pool for winter as normal. We expect to re-open the upgraded pool in September 2025, in line with the usual start of the summer season.

“These works are essential and we will complete them efficiently and effectively.

“Anyone who tells you this is a simple job that can or should happen more quickly should not be trusted with the ongoing maintenance of the city’s world-class facilities.”

The City of Sydney’s five other aquatic and fitness centres will remain operate normally during the closure of ‘Boy’ Charlton, including the nearby Cook + Phillip Park Pool.

The Andrew 'Boy' Charlton Pool last underwent a major refurbishment in 2011.

Images: The Andrew 'Boy' Charlton Pool in the Sydney suburb of Woolloomooloo (top) and City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore (below, credit: Team Clover).