East Maitland Aquatic Centre to close for remainder of 2022 due to structural damage

In a move set to impact users ahead of summer, significant structural damage has forced the closure of the East Maitland Aquatic Centre for the remainder of 2022.

The Newcastle Weekly reported that major issues within the main pool began to occur at the start of the year, with the tile bed lifting in January.

That prompted engineering investigations throughout the first half of 2022.

As a result of those inspections, inquiries revealed structural failures were causing substantial water loss into the ground, with the tile bed “tenting” throughout the pool and various compliance defects.

Maitland City Council this week advised confirm that “(the) Centre will not reopen in 2022 due to significant structural damage to the main pool at the facility” adding that a number of repair options are now being considered.

A report will be tabled for its next meeting, on Tuesday 27th September, which will provide details regarding the scope of works, associated costs and timelines.

Stating that is hoped that the Centre will open its doors again in early 2023 to cater for the back end of the summer season and school swimming carnivals, Maitland City Council General Manager David Evans commented “the facility was opened way back in 1977 and is approaching the end of its expected service life of about 40 to 50 years.

“It’s been something of a perfect storm this year, with two major flooding events making conditions much worse than we’d expected.

“We know how important this is to so many in the community.

“So, we’d like to especially thank the East Maitland Swim Club for its cooperation and understanding as we’ve worked through these issues.”

Council officers are currently developing an updated Aquatics Strategy, which will guide the future of swimming centres across the Maitland local government area and promote improved availability of these facilities to the entire community.

Images show structural and tile damage at the East Maitland Aquatic Centre. Credit: Maitland City Council.