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Photos of abandoned Syndal Just Swimming pool surface

Never before seen images of an abandoned Monash pool have inspired locals to share memories of the much-loved former swim centre. SEE THE PHOTOS

Just Swimming in Syndal was abandoned for months before it was demolished in 2019. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne
Just Swimming in Syndal was abandoned for months before it was demolished in 2019. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne

Dozens of images of a Syndal swimming pool abandoned for months before being knocked down to make way for a retirement village have surfaced.

Abandoned Melbourne, who share images of old and abandoned sites across the Victoria, have posted never before seen photos of Just Swimming in Syndal, which was knocked down in June last year.

The empty pool was quickly filled with rubbish. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne
The empty pool was quickly filled with rubbish. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne

The images include the pool, which became dilapidated and filled with rubbish, fitness area, reception and change rooms.

The Syndal pool, at 554 High Street Rd near the corner of Blackburn Rd, was a much-loved swim and fitness centre that was established by ex-Olympian diver Ron Faulds in 1961.

The swim centre’s reception area before it was demolished. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne
The swim centre’s reception area before it was demolished. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne

Dozens of locals have shared their memories of the centre.

“Many memories of swimming lessons there in the 70s and early 80s when it was Ron Faulds, also had school swimming there every year, I still can smell the chlorine in my memory,” Nicole Harvey said.

The children’s play area. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne
The children’s play area. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne

“I swam there a couple of times, another piece of Waverley’s history gone,” Garth Dennis said.

“Wow yes, Ron Faulds in the 70s. Leant to swim, got my certificates, and I even won a few blue ribbons. Every time I drive past I think of those days,” Wendy Thomas said.

The council last year announced that Pace Development Group Pty Ltd was proposing a $25 million development at the site, with an overall building height of up to seven storeys.

The fitness area had broken glass strewn across it. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne
The fitness area had broken glass strewn across it. Picture: Abandoned Melbourne

It would include 83 retirement village units, a cafe and 93 car spaces within a basement carpark.

Pace Development Group managing director Shane Wilkinson last year said the pool had been chronically leaking and was in a dilapidated state.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/outer-east/photos-of-abandoned-syndal-just-swimming-pool-surface/news-story/7f9c3dd1618f32a32aca8e70f170ba6d