Parramatta Pool could be moved to make way for Pirtek Stadium upgrade

Parramatta Pool could be moved from its O’Connell St site to make way for the Pirtek Stadium upgrade. Lord Mayor Paul Garrard says more room is needed for the stadium’s upgrade than initially thought

Parramatta swim centre celebrates 50 years as a swimming club.

PARRAMATTA pool could be moved from O’Connell St to make way for the Pirtek Stadium upgrade.

Plans for the $300 million redevelopment are in its early stages and Parramatta Lord Mayor Paul Garrard said the council was in discussions with the State Government about what the new 30,000-seat stadium would mean for the swim centre.

Cr Garrard said more room was needed to build the stadium than initially thought.

The mayor said the move “seems to be what’s going to happen”.

“The pool will be affected in the current designs,” he said.

Alternative locations for the pool had not yet been discussed but Cr Garrard said he had a few sites in mind.

Pirtek Stadium is getting a major upgrade. Picture Gregg Porteous

“Perhaps the carpark facility further to the south (of the stadium) could be preserved for the pool.

“We also have the future of the golf course at Parramatta — it’s not used any longer, I think there would be ample room for a facility there. Maybe you could put the pool toward the Westmead end.”

He said it was reasonable to assume the government would contribute money for the pool’s relocation and construction costs.

Cr John Chedid said it was important the government consulted with the council as soon as possible.

“The expansion of the stadium could take out the pool. I want to see the plans,” he said.

The State Government last year was adamant there were no plans to move or remove the pool.

“There are no talks about getting rid of the pool. Our pool is a great pool and well-established, and it would cost too much,” Parramatta State Liberal MP Geoff Lee told The Advertiser last year.

NSW Sport Minister Stuart Ayres said the government was conducting extensive consultation with stakeholders, the council and the public about the stadium’s design brief.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance sporting infrastructure in western Sydney,” he said.

The pool experienced its busiest day in years with 1300 visitors through the gates last Wednesday.