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<\/p>\nFive years after being closed for renovations and a cost blowout of more than $120 million, North Sydney’s iconic harbourside pool has been given an opening date.<\/p>\n
North Sydney’s mayor told 702 ABC Sydney the Olympic-sized swimming pool will open on Friday, August 7, marking the end of a closure that began on February 28, 2021.<\/p>\n
“The 50-metre pool is now, you know, no more concrete cancer, and the same for the grandstand,” Zo\u00eb Baker said.<\/p>\n
“It has two indoor pools, a steam room, a sauna, and always that spectacular view where you’re looking at the harbour.”<\/p>\n
Cr Baker initially voted against the renovation before she became mayor, believing it could have been done as a more modest project.<\/p>\n
“I think I’ve always thought that it didn’t need the scale of $120 million,” Cr Baker said.<\/p>\n
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The budget for the pool’s renovation exceeded $120 million. (AAP: Dan Himbrechts)<\/p>\n
“Now that it’s here for everyone using it, I think the last thing on their minds will be the financial repair the council’s doing in the wake of it.”<\/p>\n
North Sydney Council was formally handed the keys to the pool by developer Icon on May 22, marking the final practical completion of the pool’s construction.<\/p>\n
Casual visits will cost $11, while passes for multiple entries and gym memberships at $37 a week will also be available, the mayor said.<\/p>\n
Cr Baker said they would be running guided tours of the facility for the community in the meantime.<\/p>\n
The pool was started as a $28 million project but quickly grew to $58 million, before ending up with the $122 million price tag.<\/p>\n
Since the cost overruns, North Sydney Council has explored options to balance its budget, including deferring millions in capital works and curtailing works on community centres.<\/p>\n