Glenorchy pool will get a facelift in time for summer 2026

After the sudden closure of the Glenorchy pool due to safety issues two years ago, the community rallied to show just how important it was. Now, there’s been a major step forward in its rebirth.

Mayor of Glenorchy Sue Hickey at the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool ahead of work on the facility. Picture: Linda HIgginson

Glenorchy residents have shown what people power can do, according to mayor Sue Hickey.

After the sudden closure of the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool due to safety issues in March 2023, the community rallied to show just how important this pool was as a facility.

Ms Hickey said it was “fantastic” the council could announce they were one step closer.

“We’re honouring a commitment to a community who fought very hard to get this pool reopened,” she said.

“It’s been quite a journey.”

This remodel will be done by Hutchinson Builders, who have previously worked with the council.

Ms Hickey said a contract this size needs to be “scrutinised” which was why it took so long to sign, as well as finding the right tender.

The remodel will cost around the $5 million mark, and hopefully last five to 10 years.

Sadly, the slide was not in the budget and needed to be “sacrificed.”

“It was extremely dangerous and we couldn’t afford to put a new slide in,” the mayor said.

The Glenorchy Pool has seen better days. Picture: Kelvin Ball

The original pool was six decades old and became a safety risk, therefore needed to be shut immediately.

“The average pool only lasts 40 years and the electrics in the pool were second hand when they were installed, so they’re dated 1937,” Ms Hickey said.

Smaller councils face massive costs when it comes to running and maintaining pools.

The sudden closure and the nostalgia of the pool saw “community outrage”, with council facing petitions, emails and lots of social media posts.

“It was a very difficult time for the elected members because we didn’t know where we were going to get $5 million from,” she said.

Ms Hickey said it was thanks to the state election, they were able to secure the remodel money.

The remodelled pool will be resealed, repainted and have new electronics, as well as new expansion joints, a new gas boosted solar heating system will be installed.

No swimming here. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A new chemical delivery infrastructure will be installed, along with a new switchboard and plant room repairs to run the pool safely and more efficiently.

There will be an upgrade to the amenities area and change rooms, as well as the installation of an accessibility ramp into the main pool and a fully accessible ‘changing places’ facility including hoist.

Ms Hickey said work will hopefully start soon and be finished by mid 2026 for the 2026 summer season.

The bigger project for the Glenorchy community is the $84 million aquatic centre, which will have all the “bells and whistles”, including a waterslide.

While the council continues pushing for federal funding, Ms Hickey wants state funding to draw the plans.

“We have a business case which is positive, what we need money for now is to do the technical drawing so by the next federal election, we have a shovel ready project,” she said.

Originally published as Glenorchy pool will get a facelift in time for summer 2026