Ambitious $44 million pool revamp comes under spotlight

Inner West councillors have appointed contractors to redevelop the Ashfield Aquatic Centre - but concerns remain about the project’s $44.7 million pricetag

A concept images showing what the redeveloped Ashfield Aquatic Centre will look like

TO SUPPORTERS, it is the long overdue upgrade that will bring the crumbling Ashfield Aquatic Centre into the 21st century.

But to critics, the project is awash with unnecessary, expensive “add-ons” that have led to a 300 per cent budget blow out, sparking fears of a further rate hike to pay for it.

These were some of the arguments put forward as Inner West councillors last week voted 13-2 to appoint contractors to build the $44.7 million project – the largest on the council’s books.

Final plans for the upgrade include a new 50m indoor pool and new outdoor pool equipped with a “floating floor” that can alter the depth of the water, opening it up for uses ranging from water polo to learn to swim.

There will also be a children’s leisure pool, 1000 sqm gym, creche facilities, sauna/spa, cafe, changing areas and green spaces.

Concept images showing what the redeveloped Ashfield Aquatic Centre will look like

Pool users, including the Ashfield Amateur Swimming Club, have welcomed the project, describing the state of the present 1970s facilities as no longer fit to use.

Mayor Darcy Byrne said that the redevelopment was the most significant infrastructure project, in both size and scope, in the history of the inner west. “Council was determined to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity right – to transform Ashfield Pool into a first- class facility for the whole community to enjoy.”

But the final cost has caused a splashback from residents who have already endured a rate hike used to part-fund the project.

In the works since 2007 and originally budgeted at $14 million, the price tag has continued to creep up – from $20 million in April last year, to $27 million in January.

The final $44.7 million cost has been put down to added on features including the floating pool and gym.

At the meeting, resident Rene Holmes questioned why the final cost was not put out to community feedback. “I am not against the pool being made safe for use... but all the extras are above and beyond,” she said. “How can you vote on the costing without going back to the residents whose rates will be paying this debt?”

Councillor Julie Passas, a critic of the additional features, said the gym could place added competition on existing fitness businesses. She said the cost could have been “significantly reduced” through upgrades that did not include a gym or floating floor pool.

A council spokeswoman said the outdoor pool comprised an estimated $6 million of the cost, the gym $5.4 million and the sauna $700,000.

She said flyers were sent to residences in Haberfield, Ashfield, Summer Hill, Dulwich Hill, Lewisham, Petersham and Leichhardt in March promoting the inclusions.

Project timeline

The project is the largest on the council’s books, part funded by $11.9 million raised from a rate hike by the former Ashfield Council.

Work was due to start last year, but was delayed after the council received just one construction tender

The upgrade is due for completion in 2020.