Clarence Valley Council reveals plans for Grafton Regional Aquatic Centre

With the ageing Grafton Olympic Pool closed over summer having “reached the end of its useful life”, Clarence Valley Council has revealed plans for a new Regional Aquatic Centre that will feature a 50-metre outdoor pool and grandstand, indoor aquatic centre including 25-metre heated pool, a splash pad, new waterslides and renovation of existing amenities and the facility’s front entrance.

With the Olympic Pool permanently closed, the three-stage project for its replacement, including a timeline and funding strategy, was endorsed by Clarence Valley Councillors at its monthly meeting 28th February.

Divided into three stages, the project - likely to cost at least $21 million - is been scheduled to maximise efficiency, grant funding opportunities, and delivery of services to the community, as well as safety considerations.

Stage One includes demolition of the existing 50 metre pool and dive pool, construction of an indoor facility, splash pad and electrical substation, and refurbishment of existing amenities.

Stage Two includes construction of outdoor 50 metre pool and grandstand.

Stage Three includes installation of new waterslides and is subject to future funds being identified.

During debate Councillors raised the possibility of carrying out construction of the 50 metre outdoor pool (Stage Two) prior to Stage One.

However, Clarence Valley Council General Manager. Laura Black said it was important for the community to know there are a number of reasons why staff recommended the adopted staging of the project, including being the scenario that returns services to the community as early as possible.

Black advised “the indoor facility as part of Stage One will be located on the site of the existing pool infrastructure. It can be opened while construction of the outdoor pool is underway because construction access from Turf Street can be separated from public access to other facilities.

"If the outdoor pool was constructed first, for safety reasons it could not be opened to the public while the Stage One works including pre-construction earthworks took place adjacent to it. In addition, there would be no access to amenities.

"The indoor facility includes two heated pools that once opened can stay open all year round."

At the meeting, Clarence Valley Council Director Works and Civil, Jamie Fleeting explained that the staged approach will allow a contractor to deliver Stage One and Stage Two in a seamless fashion.

Fleming noted “this recommendation maximises Council's opportunity to secure grant funding for Stage Two - being the 50 metre pool and grandstand.

“The contract facilitates sufficient time to secure potential grant opportunities for a period of up to three months after the contract is awarded.

"Progress on Stage Two and Three will be subject to either forthcoming grants, Council loans or a combination of both, and this will be reported to Council for confirmation before August 2023."

While the 50 metre outdoor swimming pool at the Grafton Olympic Pool is now permanently closed, the facility’s waterslide has been open over the summer - at a charge of $2 per person.

The Council has also offered a splash pad and art classes as alternative activities for local residents.

Built in the 1960s, the Grafton Olympic Pool had fallen into such a state of disrepair that the decision was made in September last year to shut the pool to avoid a “catastrophic failure”.

Among its problems, leakage from the pool liner cost the Council $187,234 in the last financial year, up 153%.

According to a condition report prepared for Councillors in September 2022, there is a cavity between the dive pool and Olympic pool that results in a leak which completely empties both within a fortnight (equivalent to the water use of 750 average households).

Images: An artist's impression of Stage One Grafton Pool redevelopment (top), the staging for the new Centre overlaid over existing facility - blue is Stage One, green Stage Two and purple Stage Three (middle) and the now closed Grafton Olympic Pool (below).