More than 1000 local community members responded to a survey seeking feedback on the various options for the upgrade of the heritage-listed site at Milson’s Point.
The options range from a “basic” upgrade, which includes a new 50m pool and leisure pools, an upgrade of the change rooms and partial refurbishment of the grandstand, through to the $72 million redevelopment, being described as a “generational upgrade”.
Mayor Jilly Gibson said the designs proposed a number of new features including, an upgraded Olympic Pool; an expanded indoor 25m pool; indoor children's water play area, health and wellness facilities; underground car parking, large events space, diving platforms; change facilities; grandstand with shade structure; a family leisure pool and a publically accesible rooftop park with extensive views of the Harbour.
“The 50m pool in the North Sydney Olympic Pool complex has reached the end of its life and requires significant upgrading.
Council is taking the opportunity to redevelop the complex so that it can continue to meet the needs of current and future generations,” she said.
“A redeveloped North Sydney Olympic Pool will bring many new benefits for the community.
“Whilst preference for some design concepts over others emerged from the engagement process, there was not direct support for one option over all others.
“Based on the findings the pool consultant has put forward a list of essential elements that received strong support as a result of the consultation for Council to consider in the formation of a final design option.”
Mayor Gibson said Council will be holding a workshop with Councillors and the pool consultants regarding the findings of the survey “as soon as possible” as the first step in the development of a preferred option that will be brought back to the local community.
The redevelopment will be funded through a combination of Council funding, Government grants and income revenue streams built into the design options, such as events space, lease revenue from commercial activities and gate takings.
Meanwhile, upgrades to the iconic North Sydney Oval are underway, with a portable drop-in wicket, new irrigation lines and improved lighting, allowing for day/night games to be played at the ground.
During 2013/14, more than 90,000 people attended events at North Sydney Oval and Mayor Gibson said the upgrades will further enhance the oval as a major and sustainable venue.
“These improvements are pivotal in promoting North Sydney Oval as an international sportsfield and event location,” she said.
“The upgrade will not only improve the playing surface of the Oval, but will ensure the stadium has the technology and capabilities required to host a wide range of events.”
Council’s other identified projects scheduled to be rolled out, as part of the North Sydney Oval upgrade, until 2019/20 includes improvements to bar, kiosk and merchandising facilities; player and officials change rooms and establishment of medical rooms and press facilities; improvements to corporate facilities and Duncan Thompson Stand refurbishment; CCTV system installed; refurbishment of media broadcasting facilities; provision of an outdoor video screen; improvements to the public announcement system and new grandstand seating.
Brief history of North Sydney Pool
1936 - Pool opened and hailed as a ‘wonder pool’ for its state-of-the-art filtration system.
1938 - Hosted the Empire Games swimming and diving events.
1964 – Pool shortened to the new metric length of 50 metres.
1970 - Pool retiled.
1950s to 1970s - 86 world records set by swimming greats such as Murray Rose, Dawn Fraser and Shane Gould.
1972 - Pool is heated in winter.
1980 - Diving springboards removed.
2001 - Complex redeveloped and facilities including a 25m indoor pool and gymnasium added.
2014 - 50m pool reaches the end of its life and requires significant upgrading.
North Sydney Oval upgrade inclusions
• Bar, kiosk and merchandising facility improvements.
• Upgrading of player and officials change rooms and establishment of medical rooms and press facilities.
• Improvements to corporate facilities and Duncan Thompson Stand refurbishment.
• CCTV system installed.
• Refurbishment of media broadcasting facilities.
• Provision of an outdoor video screen.
• Improvements to the public announcement system.
• Review of seating requirements – new grandstand seating.
• Outdoor video screen installation.
