Designs and costings for new Glenorchy Pool revealed

When the 60-year-old Glenorchy Pool closed, the community fought hard for a replacement. Months later plans for a new pool with bells and whistles have been unveiled.

Glenorchy War Memorial Poll redevelopment concept designs for the new aquatic centre. Picture: Liminal Architecture

The final designs for a new pool at Glenorchy – with an $84m price tag – will be publicly unveiled by the council on Monday.

After months of consultations, the Glenorchy City Council’s preferred option will be presented at an open workshop of the council at 3.30pm.

Ratepayers have fought long and hard for a new Glenorchy War Memorial Pool since the 60-year-old pool closed in July last year after it was deemed unsafe due to leaks and structural issues.

The preferred option includes a 50m outdoor pool, water slide, 25m indoor lap pool, indoor 20m warm water learn-to-swim program pool, toddler pool, spa, sauna and steam room, gymnasium and health club and cafe.

Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the council would be seeking state and federal funding to help pay for the $84m redevelopment.

“We will do the best we can to attract federal funding and believe it meets the community benefit test,” she told the Mercury.

Glenorchy War Memorial Poll redevelopment concept designs for the new aquatic centre. Picture: Liminal Architecture

“We know how popular the old pool was and this will have a gym and cater for a wider audience.

“The consultants we engaged have been working with community stakeholders for the past 10 months to bring council an option that both reflects the community’s preferences and has the strongest business case to attract funding.

“Stakeholder groups, who lobbied council following the closure of the existing pool last year, have been involved in this process from the outset, and this option has been developed with their input.”

Ms Hickey said an elector poll this year had made it clear the community wanted council to redevelop the facility.

Glenorchy ratepayers overwhelmingly voted to save their much loved memorial pool which was built to honour the fallen soldiers of WWII.

Glenorchy War Memorial Poll redevelopment concept designs for the new aquatic centre. Picture: Liminal Architecture

In an elector poll, 89 per cent voted ‘yes’ when asked if it should be repaired and reopened with government funding and 93 per cent saying ‘yes’ to applying for funding to redevelop the pool in the longer term.

“This option is being presented to council as the best option in terms of the community benefit it brings, which maximises its chances of gaining government funding,” Ms Hickey said.

“This option would give the community a modern aquatic facility for the next 40 years, retaining an outdoor facility that many users of the existing pool told us was important.

“We recognise this represents a major investment in our community and in our sport and recreation infrastructure.

“But we also recognise the benefits a swimming pool has for people in assisting them lead active and healthy lives.”

Council will continue repairs to re-open the existing pool in summer next year.

Both major parties $5m during the state election to repair and reopen the pool.

Ms Hickey thanked the community who she said helped guide the consultation and assisting with defining the preferred option.

“The level of community passion and pride that people have shown around the pool is to be commended, and we look forward to be unveiling this preferred option at our workshop this afternoon which is open to the public,” she said.