Grandstand no go in North Sydney Olympic Pool makeover
North Sydney Olympic Pool’s makeover will be a “stunner” of historic elements and contemporary design, but its heritage grandstand won’t be among them.
North Sydney Olympic Pool’s makeover will be a “stunner” of historic elements and contemporary design, but its heritage grandstand won’t be among them.
Engineers have warned North Sydney Council against trying to repair or strengthen the concrete structure as part of a new complex.
Engineers Mahaffey and Associates, and Mott Macdonald, identified significant spalling and corrosion after being hired to advise the council.
“We would not recommend the long-term retention of the grandstand,” Mott Macdonald said in its report.
“While remedial actions and repairs could be carried out to extend its lifespan, we believe that the structure does not have a reasonable expectation of long-term performance.”
The grandstand was built and the pool opened in 1936, one year after the neighbouring Luna Park.
The engineers have recommended the grandstand be inspected every three to six months. The council has voted to act on the advice.
Access has been revised from 1,700 people to 900, and could be further restricted following an inspection in June.
North Sydney mayor Jilly Gibson said the grandstand was not in danger of falling and children at swimming carnivals were safe.
She was excited about the latest design being devised by architects Brewster Hjorth.
“Let me assure everyone it’s a stunner — an interweaving of historic elements and contemporary design,” she said.
The design is expected to include a new 50m pool, the 25m pool upgraded to eight lanes and an upgraded creche.
Options to allow swimmers access to Luna Park’s parking station are being investigated.
Cr Gibson hopes the design can be revealed soon.
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Planning is still in the early stages and the council is yet to look for a builder.
A new grandstand has been costed at up to $77 million.
The council has been devising a pool masterplan since 2014 as the 50m pool requires upgrading.
Cr Tony Carr was the only dissenting councillor.
He opposed progressing an earlier design and believed there should be more community consultation.
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