Demolition begins on Parramatta pool

WHAT a difference a few weeks makes. It was only March swimmers took their final dip at Parramatta pool. As of this morning it was rubble.

The demolition of Parramatta pool has begun. Picture: Peter Kelly

• Hundreds turn out for final dip
• Final days of summer lovin’ at pool
• Last-ditch pitch to save pool
• Auburn’s $27m pool revamp complete

For 50-odd years, Parramatta Memorial Pool echoed to the melodic sound of kids having fun but now the melody has gone, replaced by the roar and smash of jackhammers and wrecking balls as the pool and its 1950s buildings are torn down.

Two weeks after the pool was shuttered, Parramatta Council has removed its pumps and other equipment, and the plan is to grind the rest of the pool and its buildings into small rocks, which will become part of the new $300 million Western Sydney Stadium.

The 1950s era buildings are being torn down.

The pool was closed to the public on March 31.

The timetable sees demolition taking place from now until June, piling and ground work for the new stadium from June until the end of the year, and then stage two begins, which will see design and construction planning applications before the council.

The plans will then go on public exhibition before stadium construction begins at the tail end of this year to be finished by 2019.

Now swimmers travel to Auburn, Epping, Merrylands, Granville, Oly­mpic Park or Wentworthville.

Demolition works are due to continue until June.

Just weeks ago Parramatta pool was full of swimmers on its final day.

The good news is the State Government will pump $30 million into a new pool and Parramatta Council will put in an additional $30 million for an aquatic centre at the site of the old golf course.

Council general manager Greg Dyer said outdoor pools would be a feature of any new centre, so Parramatta may once again echo to the sound of children playing.