St Joseph’s College: First look at Joey’s $19m memorial pool revamp
Plans for a major swimming pool revamp have been lodged with a proposed 8-lane water polo pool and fitness centre at one of Sydney’s top schools. However, it has not yet been decided if the general public will be allowed access to the state-of-the-art facility. SEE THE PLANS
Northern District Times
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Fresh plans for a $19 million swimming pool revamp at an elite Sydney boys school have been revealed.
The Memorial Pool redevelopment at St Joseph’s College will feature a new pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre.
The existing 50m swimming pool, dating back to October 1957, will be demolished as will a nearby building to make way for a new 8-lane water polo pool measuring 51.5m at the Hunters Hill school.
With a movable boom, the pool will cater for a range of uses from full sized water polo games and 25m swimming to training and recreational activities.
An accessible entry ramp will sit at the shallow end of the pool and it will be heated to 28 degrees using a gas system.
New bench seats, outdoor showers, and umbrellas will mark the new pool concourse as well as a new two-storey multi purpose fitness centre.
The 9m-high building will include a new lobby, office, change rooms, physio and multipurpose spaces featuring exercise bikes, rowing machines and weights.
There will also be a spectator viewing balcony overlooking the pool.
Amended plans recently submitted to council show the new building will be setback 4.4m from the eastern side boundary to Luke Street.
Plans show the building and pool can cater for up to 60 students from visiting teams as well as 54 additional parking spaces.
The school’s business services director Matt Easdown said the recent designs including changed setback were revised after council feedback.
“The project is to replace the existing pool which was built in the 1950s and it’s very much at the end of its life,” Mr Easdown told The Northern District Times.
“We’re replacing something already there and upgrading it to a new standard.”
When asked whether the new pool will be accessible to the public he said that it was “yet to be determined.”
“It is primarily for the school but we will consider public access where applicable. We will plan out its usage and the design will allow access to non-students through a safe way,” Mr Easdown said.
St Joseph’s College also received approval for a mega $38 million redevelopment of its physical education and sports precinct late last year.
Mr Easdown said the priority was to get the pool built before the sports precinct because of its “age and condition” yet he said there could be some “overlap” in the construction process.
A preliminary Construction Management Plan (CMP) has also been submitted to outline changes to traffic and parking during the construction process.
During construction, machinery to excavate rock and concrete will be used and targeted during school holidays to avoid noise and vibration according to the CMP.
Construction workers will be encouraged to take public transport as no parking will be available for them on school grounds during construction which is anticipated to take 60 weeks.
Originally opened in October 1957, the Memorial Pool was built to commemorate those who served in war and act as a place for the students, particularly it’s large boarding community, to come together and swim.
The pool was initially expected to last for 30 years.
“Significant structural and mechanical issues have emerged. The pool is beyond its useful life and struggles to meet current needs. Its aged infrastructure urgently requires replacement,” according to a St Joseph’s College statement.
The school hopes for construction to start March 2021.
Written submissions will be received up until 4pm June 12.