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<\/p>\n\u201cBuildings become landmarks because of their architecture. They become icons because of the people who fill them,\u201d Gould told the crowd.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we celebrate not only the reopening of a remarkable pool, but the beginning of thousands of new stories that will unfold in these waters.\u201d<\/p>\n
90 years and 86 world records<\/p>\n
Now in its 90th year, the heritage-listed pool has been part of Australian sport since it opened in 1936. It hosted the 1938 British Empire Games, now the Commonwealth Games, and has seen 86 world records set in its lanes.<\/p>\n
The redevelopment restored the pool\u2019s Art Deco heritage. Four heritage structures were kept, including the Eastern Stair Tower and the Southern Heritage Wall with its restored stucco motifs. Thousands of original 1930s bricks were salvaged and reused, and replacement bricks were hand-painted one by one to match the old work.<\/p>\n
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Details on memberships, learn to swim and programs are at northsydneyolympicpool.com.au<\/p>\n
North Sydney local Alice, a former national swimmer, was one of the first back in the water.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve swam at this pool for many, many years as a national swimmer, when I was younger. It\u2019s really exciting to be back here and see how it\u2019s been transformed,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
North Sydney resident Glen grew up racing in the lanes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was here as a kid. I went to North Sydney Boys. We came down here for swimming carnivals. It was fantastic,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to have a public facility which works for everyone, which is pretty rare these days.<\/p>\n
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Now in its 90th year, the heritage-listed pool has been part of Australian sporting history since it opened in 1936.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s inside now<\/p>\n
The revamped centre runs a refurbished outdoor 50m pool with a boom to split it for carnivals and lap swimming, two indoor pools, a spa, sauna and steam room, a children\u2019s pool and splash pad, a creche, a new gym, group fitness and reformer pilates studios, a cafe serving Campos coffee, a gelato bar and an upgraded sun deck.<\/p>\n
Sydney local Louisa, who has swum here for years, said the pool felt like nowhere else.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of my favourite memories here are lazing around on a summer\u2019s day and just having all the icons around you feeling a bit carefree. It feels a little bit international,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n