Wentworthville swimming pools: Construction starts on upgrade
After a scorching summer without a dip at their local pool, one western Sydney community is anticipating the completion of its $8.9 million upgrade. Take a peek at how it will look.
Parramatta
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A revamped, “modern and inviting” Wentworthville swimming pool is on course to reopen almost a decade after a campaign to save it from the chopping block started.
Cumberland Councillor Lisa Lake praised the design which comprises a 50m pool with a lift for the disabled, a learn-to-swim pool, a splash pad to replace the baby pool and more private change rooms.
A cafe which allows the public to buy coffee from the Dunmore St entrance is also part of the upgrade, which is due to completed in December.
Construction has started.
“I think it’s going to be terrific because what I didn’t want was a closed-in aquatic centre,’’ Cr Lake said.
“What we’re keen to see was keeping the pools’ look and feel as a local community pool, a space we’ll use as a pleasant outdoor area.
“It’s modern and inviting and retains Wentworthville’s character.’’
Wentworthville pools shut in March, redirecting residents to Merrylands pool.
“I know people have gone to Merrylands pool but would rather their local pool back,’’ Cr Lake said.
“I think the community’s been really patient and they’re really looking forward to the upgrade.
“The extreme heat of this summer will no doubt be repeated this year.”
She said a key drawcard of the centre would be the 25m used for swimming lessons.
The campaign to save the Dunmore St pool started in 2011 when the Wentworthville facility’s days were numbered.
In 2017, under the former administrator, a poll was put to the community on whether the council should continue operating five pools.
The poll revealed 75 per cent of residents favoured the council retail its pools. At the Wentworthville Public School polling booth, 90 per cent voted to keep five pools.
“People really value their local pool, particularly in western Sydney where there’s not access to natural waterways,’’ Cr Lake said.
Guildford swimming centre is due to be upgraded after Wentworthville reopens.
Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou said welcomed the start of construction at Wentworthville.
“It has taken a lot of work to get to this point and I know that residents have missed having this pool with the summer we’re having,’’ he said.
“Construction is moving on site, residents are going to see works happening shortly and I’m looking forward to the pool opening later this year.”