Strathfield pool may replace Hudson Park Golf Course

Strathfield Council is investigating the possibility of building a pool and indoor sports centre at Hudson Park at Strathfield.

A couple exercising in a swimming pool. Picture: istock

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Strathfield Council is investigating the possibility of building a pool and indoor sports centre at Hudson Park at Strathfield.

The council is looking to begin a feasibility study which would consider options and recently called for expressions of interest from private operators to help.

The move comes after residents called for a pool and indoor sports facilities during consultation for the council’s community strategic plan.

A woman performs backstroke. Picture: Richard Walker

The plan outlines residents’ priorities and is used for strategic planning.

There would be ample room for a pool at Hudson Park.

The 18-hole public golf course will close in March due to low patronage.

Sports courts, a playground, picnic areas, lake and cafe will replace it.

Helen McLucas putts on the Hudson Park Golf Course with Norm Ronis (left) and Darren Atkins observing.

The driving range will remain while a new one is built elsewhere in the park.

A pool is a possibility, but Mayor Gulian Vaccari said it was not a done deal.

“It’s an exciting idea but further investigation is required,” he said.

“We certainly won’t be turning the first sod in the next 12 months.”

The park includes Hudson Oval, home to cricket and football clubs. St Patricks College Strathfield students regularly use the venue.

They need not worry about their sportsground, according to Cr Vaccari.

“If you’re thinking a leisure centre is going to replace the oval, that’s not going to happen,” he said.

A swim centre at Strathfield would not be a major complex, the Courier understands. Picture: Chris Pavlich

The expressions of interest deadline for private operators to help the study has passed.

The council is still to begin its investigations.

Once completed, the study will be published and considered for at a council meeting.

The park was once known as Hampstead Downs but was renamed after Colin Hudson, one of Strathfield’s mayors during the 1940s.