Rebuild to Commence at Grafton Memorial Pool

The amenities block at Grafton Memorial Pool, damaged by fire in December, is to be rebuilt.
Clarence Valley Council's insurers last week agreed to pay out $922,000 to rebuild the burnt-out structure, with demolition work now set to begin later this week and the start of construction soon after.
Clarence Valley Council Deputy General Manager Rob Donges told local media that plans were in place for the new amenities, following consultation with the swimming clubs, but a date had not been set for completion. Donges explained "the temporary facilities that were put up last year will be used until the building is complete and a barrier put around the construction site."
The Council had allowed $500,000 in its recent budget to pick up an expected shortfall in the cost of the project, but now finds it will only need to chip in $100,000.
For the pool's operators hopes are pinned on opening the season at the pool on its usual date, the first week of October, coinciding with the school holidays.
As Pool licensee Allura Patterson explained, "fingers crossed we can open then (as) schools plan their whole curriculum around the pool in fourth term.�?