PLANS to improve and refurbish Helensburgh Pool will move forward over the coming months.

Wollongong City Council’s procurement process is underway, with the works scheduled to start during winter for completion before the end of the year.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the project will extend the life of the existing pool by another 30 years, as well as improve its accessibility for all members of the community.

“The works are planned for winter through to the end of December this year to minimise the impact on those who love to go for a swim or splash at this Walker Street facility,” Cr Brown said.

The planned works are informed by community consultation. The project includes:

• refurbishment of the 25m and toddlers’ pools including structural remediation, resealing the construction joints, a full repaint and retiling
• complete refurbishment of the male and female amenities including new partitions and fixtures
• construction of a new changing places toilet with 24/7 access and other accessibility upgrades
• construction of a new accessible toilet and parking spaces
• resurfacing the pool concourse
• installation of new handrails, seating, shade and bike racks
• improvements to pool concourse lighting
• the existing shade structure will be painted, and new shade cloth will be installed
• refurbishing the existing pool plant room
• replacing the ageing pool plant and equipment

“We’re very grateful to those from the community who took the time to share their thoughts on the pool, it’s future and the steps we could take to improve it,’’ Cr Brown said.

“While this budget does not allow for a new pool, we are able to deliver a significant number of upgrades and improvements that respond to the community feedback we’ve gathered about this project.

“For instance, we’ve retained the toddler pool as we had comments about the importance of having a shallow, shaded, separate area for young children. We’re also drastically improving the accessibility of the pool with the new changing places toilet like the ones we’ve got at Port Kembla Pool and Austinmer Beach, which is really important.

“Plus, like all our non-heated pools, it’ll be free to visit once it reopens.’’

The works on the pool are supported by grant funding from the NSW Government’s Multi Sport Community Facility Fund.

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said that the NSW Government is committed to improving sporting facilities across the state so that they better meet the needs of local communities.

“Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and I look forward to seeing the Helensburgh community make a splash their upgraded pool this summer.”

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