Funding allocated for construction of new indoor 50 metre pool at Perth’s HBF Arena

The Western Australian Government has committed funding for the demolition of the current 50 metre pool and the design and construction of a new 50-metre pool at HBF Arena in the northern Perth suburb of Joondalup.

Community members will be invited to have their say on the proposed design, which is expected to be released in the coming months following the appointment of an architect and design consultants.

Decommissioning of the current 50-metre pool has already commenced, with demolition planned for later this year. The contract for construction of the new pool will go to market in the new year.

To ensure patrons and staff are protected from dust and noise throughout the works, the leisure pool will be separated from the 50-metre pool works by a purpose-built insulated wall.

The 50-metre pool first closed in June as a precautionary measure due to higher-than-expected dust levels resulting from planned works at the nearby leisure pool. Maintenance carried out during the closure identified issues that needed to be rectified before the pool could safely reopen.

Subsequent advice from a structural engineer identified that the pool had reached its end of life and would need to be completely replaced.

Works on the adjacent leisure pool are progressing well with a target to reopen in November.

Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman noted "HBF Arena is a major sports hub for the northern suburbs with the 50-metre pool well used by many members of the community, from training squads through to learn to swim classes.

"I'm pleased to have the funding secured to ensure HBF Arena continues to provide great facilities for swimming and aquatic groups and the community.

"Swimming is an essential part of the Western Australian lifestyle and that is why replacing this pool is of the utmost importance to provide swimming facilities for the area."