Last-ditch pitch to save Parramatta pool from demolition

As the clock ticks down to the Parramatta pool closure, residents are refusing to give up the fight to keep it open with a last-minute plea to the government to immediately cancel the demolition.

Swimmers are enjoying the final weeks of Parramatta pool before its planned closure.

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As the clock ticks down to the Parramatta Memorial Pool closure, local residents are refusing to give up the fight to keep it open with a last-minute plea to Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance to immediately cancel the demolition.

In a letter to the minister, North Parramatta Residents Action Group (NPRAG) president Suzette Meade said: “We implore upon you to cancel the scheduled demolition of Parramatta War Memorial Pool on March 31.”

NPRAG is calling on the minister to “pause the stadium project for a minimum of six months to allow for genuine and transparent consultation allowing alternative planning of this Sports Precinct ensuring that the stadium and the pool to can continue to coexist”.

Last month swimming suits were tied to the pool fence in protest at the closure.

Ms Meade added: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a landmark precinct of healthy, inclusive space for community to exercise, socialise and watch professional sport — make this one of your greatest legacies.”

The pool is set to be closed and demolished to make way for the new $300 million western Sydney stadium.

NPRAG wants a meeting with Mr Constance and have sent the minister their alternative design concepts for the stadium which they say allows the Olympic-sized Memorial Pool — opened in 1959 — to coexist on the site.

Architect Stephen Figgis — son of the pool’s original architect Loyal Figgis — has agreed to be NPRAG’s architect and it is his designs which the group is urging Mr Constance to take a look at.

Residents have called on Minister for Infrastructure Andrew Constance to cancel the demolition.

“The pool still operates, and you Mr Constance have an opportunity to show that you are able to give the community what they want as well as deliver the stadium. A solution that benefits everyone,” Ms Meade said.

“To leave the community without a pool for two to five years and spend a further $50 million of tax payer and rate payer funds to build an aquatic centre on our diminishing Parramatta Park lands is not the right decision — especially with the forecasted high density population increase being imposed by the Greater Sydney Commission to western Sydney.”

The Olympic-sized pool was opened in 1959.

PARTY PLAN FOR FINAL DAY

A pool party will be held to mark the final day at the 1950s era centre before its closure and demolition.

Protest group Save Parramatta Pool is behind the event and though the pool will be shut on Friday, March 31 for the very last time, organiser Suzette Meade says the group will not give up trying to save the much-loved venue.

A spokeswoman for Parramatta Council said: “We have not received any formal notification from Save Parramatta Pool requesting to hold an event at the pool. They are welcome to use the pool as long as they comply with the normal pool rules. For example, no dive towers, unruly behaviour, alcohol etc.”

The spokeswoman said Parramatta Swimming Club had arranged a small function with their members on the evening the pool closes.

“The pool will remain open at this time, however, their function is not open to the public.”

The party begins at 6pm and will end when the pool closes for the final time at 8pm.