Parramatta Council and State Government to split $50 million bill for new pool

Parramatta Council will be forced to stump up tens of millions of dollars to build a new public swimming pool, with the cost of the project now expected to top $50 million.

Parramatta pool is set to be demolished at the end of summer to make way for the new stadium.

Parramatta Council will need to tip in $30 million towards a new public swimming pool to replace the Memorial Pool which will soon be demolished.

The total cost of a planned new aquatic centre is expected to be $50 million, with confirmation the extra $20 million will come out of State Government coffers, according to sources.

News that the Memorial Pool will close permanently in March raised locals’ ire with a protest march attended by several hundred residents at Centenary Square in December, and more protests planned.

The Memorial Pool — which opened in 1959 — is set to be demolished as part of the $300 million redevelopment of the stadium which will be substantially bigger than the current sports arena.

Residents continue to protest the decision to move the pool from its current location.

It has also been confirmed to the Advertiser the replacement pool will be built in Parramatta Park on the site of the old golf course, with a feasibility study soon to be concluded.

A change in the law as it applies to Park Trusts will also need to be ushered through the State Parliament before the go-ahead for a new swim centre can be given on the parkland, but few hurdles are expected.

Meanwhile, with the closure of the Memorial Pool looming, the council is looking at a range of temporary swim options for locals, not least to cater for over 1000 locals who have signed up for swimming classes.

A new aquatic centre could take up to two years to be completed.

Part of the old Parramatta golf course will be home to the new pool after its closure two years ago.

Parramatta Council administrator Amanda Chadwick said: “City of Parramatta continues to work with Parramatta Park Trust to confirm a suitable site for a new aquatic centre within the Mays Hill precinct.

“It’s expected that a preferred site will be confirmed in early 2017, after which council will engage specialist consultants to assist with the concept design, financial analysis and community consultation for the planned aquatic centre.

“Council welcomes recent comments from Premier Mike Baird indicating that State funding is available to assist with the project, and will be working with the NSW Government to determine funding contributions once a site has been confirmed.”