The Story:

At the beginning of what’s set to be a scorching summer, residents across the lower North Shore are once again expressing frustration over prolonged public pool closures and escalating financial pressures. 

The North Sydney Olympic Pool and the Willoughby Leisure Centre pool hall closed for upgrades in February 2021 and November 2022 respectively. Plagued by cost blowouts and delays, these upgrades have left locals to grapple with the overcrowding of other facilities and limited accessible recreational options.

The lack of major public pool facilities has strained the capacity of existing alternatives as well, particularly on weekends and holidays, which has meant many families must deal with increased exposure to potential infections or illnesses related to overcrowding – or go further afield to beat the heat.

The local view:

Waverton resident and lawyer Sophie Sievert-Kloster shared her disappointment, telling the North Shore Lorikeet: “I moved to the lower north shore in early 2021 and remember the [North Sydney Olympic Pool] being a big drawcard to the area. Nearly four years later, and I still haven’t swum a single lap.”

Anna Carles, a Lane Cove local, said the closures of these pools “don’t leave us with many viable options, especially for those of us with accessibility needs.” 

“I find Lane Cove Aquatics and Leisure Centre’s entry and membership fees a bit too steep,” Carles told the North Shore Lorikeet, “and cheaper alternatives like Greenwich Baths aren’t so easily accessible for the less-abled.”

The facts:

While the new Willoughby pool hall is expected to be completed in 2025, the timeline for North Sydney Olympic Pool remains uncertain, leaving many residents feeling unheard and puzzled.

Online sentiment has turned sour, with calls for an investigation into the cost blowout.

Many are cynical about the latest estimated completion date of early 2025, with the situation further compounded by North Sydney council’s recent proposal of a “Special Rate Variation” that could see rates for homeowners and businesses nearly double over the next few years, partly to fund the North Sydney Olympic Pool project.

A spokesperson for Willoughby Council told the North Shore Lorikeet it is “on target” for the practical completion of the Willoughby Leisure Centre upgrades in 2025.

“Our project team are due to soon deliver on several construction milestones including the installation of structural steel by February 2025.”