Scots College plans $7m heated pool, deep enough for water polo, to cater for 2100-plus students

A top Sydney private school wants to replace an “outdated” pool with a new heated one, which will be deeper and better shaped to facilitate water polo. Here’s how it would look.

A concept image of the school’s $7m proposed pool.

A top Sydney private boys’ school is set to splash out more than $7m rebuilding its swimming pool with the aim of making it deep enough for water polo.

Scots College has applied to Woollahra Council to replace its existing pool with an expanded 14-lane heated swimming facility to cater for its 2100-plus fee-paying students.

The school – which, according to latest government figures receives more than $8m in annual state and federal funding – says the new pool will ensure its facilities are of a modern standard.

The new heated pool would replace the current L-shaped one, which, according to school assessments, lacks the adequate depth and dimensions for the sport of water polo.

“The primary objective of the proposal is to deliver a pool capable of hosting water polo training and games for Scots students,” the development plans state.

A concept image of the school’s development plan.

An aerial view of the proposed swimming pool.

“The updated facility will improve the use and amenity of the outdoor pool area for students

“The pool will mainly be used for water polo with the boarding students occasionally using the pool on the weekends for swimming.”

Many other independent and private schools have similar plans to upgrade their sporting facilities.

They include MLC Burwood, which wants to build a new sports centre and performing arts hub, while Barker College in Hornsby has been given planning approval to build a new aquatic centre and tennis courts.

A photo of the current Scots College pool.

The development will address the ageing state of the current pool infrastructure.

Santa Sabina College in Strathfield, meanwhile, has plans for new multipurpose sports facilities and a heated outdoor swimming pool.

On the north shore, Ravenswood School for Girls last week lodged plans with Ku-ring-gai Council to build a new four-storey building hall, gym and indoor sports facility.

Independent Schools Australia said funding for new facilities at private and independent schools largely came from donations from parents and investments, accounting for about 86 per cent of funding for projects nationwide.

Earlier this year, the NSW government released guidelines outlining how private schools can use public funding, including requirements for income to be strictly used for the operation of a school.

The proposed development will include new seating areas.

Plans for Scots College show the development would also include a new seating and a store building.

“The proposed replacement pool will increase amenity through the provision of spectator seating.,” the plans stated.

“It will also not have any additional amenity impacts on neighbouring sites.”

Plans stated the new pool would also address the ageing state of the current facility, which has been assessed as “outdated”.

The development application is being considered by Woollahra Council.