North Sydney Council plans $190 million renewal program

North Sydney Council is planning a series of ambitious plans to overhaul key parts of its infrastructure including a $72 million makeover of its Olympic Pool.

The schemes, which have a total bill of $189.7 million, include a range of options for the ageing North Sydney Olympic Pool, ranging from a basic $16 million plan to a complete revamp for $72 million.

The full option for the iconic pool site, which have been on public exhibition since March, include:

• 66 metre pool with two booms
• Indoor leisure pool
• International diving facility
• Indoor splash pad with water play area
• Grandstand and shade structure for 750 people
• Reduced new indoor waterside
• Six-lane indoor 25 metre pool
• Large gym and wellness centre under the 50 metre pool
• Hydrotherapy pool under the 50 metre pool forming part of the gym
• Upper and lower change rooms including family change facilities
• Landscaped roof - new harbour foreshore park
• Underground parking for 125 cars accessed from Alfred Street
• New concourse level cafe/kiosk
• New cafe in old gym area

The top level option for the Olympic Pool has been described as a ‘generational upgrade’ for the state-heritage listed venue.

The basic upgrade with an estimated price tag of $16 million includes new 50 metre and leisure pools, an upgrade of the changing rooms and partly refurbishing the grandstand.

Community consultation found that residents wanted a basic upgrade of the pool, with improvements to the changing rooms and an outdoor 50 metre pool their main concern.

Just 8% wanted the more expensive redevelopment of the historic facility.

The pool opened in 1936, took 36 weeks to build and cost £47,000, about $10 million in modern terms.

It was the first pool in Australia to purify sea water and used advanced technology for the time.

It hosted the Empire Games in 1938 and 1958, and 86 world records in swimming and diving have been set in the pool.

The Council is also considering a $70 million development of Hume Street Park in Crows Nest with plans for an underground parking, indoor sports facilities and a green roof.

There is also a proposal to include either an underground cinema or pool.

While decisions on the Olympic Pool and Hume Street Park are yet to be made, work on a $6 million green roof at North Sydney’s Coal Loader Centre will start in September after a tender process.

Redevelopment of the North Sydney Oval is due to start in October after approval of the development application.

All the projects are to be paid for through a variety of sources including developer contributions, council reserves, state government funds and borrowing.

Images: An artist impression of what North Sydney Olympic Pool could look like after a $72 million redevelopment (top),  the Olympic Pool as it is currently and the planned green roof at North Sydney’s Coal Loader Centre.

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