WORK on a major refurbishment of the Helensburgh swimming pool should be completed by January.

Since starting two weeks ago, the internal fixtures within the pool complex have been removed and Wollongong City Council is now taking on some of the heavier demolition work including the removal of internal walls and floor tiles.

Soon, work will start on external demolition to allow for the construction of accessible amenities, new accessible pathways and an enhanced entrance to the facility.

Progress continues on the plant room upgrades which will see upgraded equipment and chemical dosing systems, improving performance and water quality in the revamped pool.

A Council spokesperson said the planned works are running to schedule and remain on target for a reopening before the January summer peak.

What works are happening at Helensburgh Pool?

In all, 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 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

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown has thanked the Helensburgh community for their patience and understanding as Council completes the refurbishment.

“I appreciate there will be disappointment knowing that this pool isn’t going to open on 27 September like Council’s other pools, but we’re working hard to have it open in time for the January school holidays,” Cr Brown said.

“While it may be less convenient to drive the 10 minutes from Helensburgh to Stanwell Park Beach or 12 minutes to hit the rock pool at Coalcliff, it’s a short-term adjustment so that people can enjoy this pool for another 30 years,” she said.

“Can you imagine! The toddlers’ pool structural remediation means the kids paddling in it this summer might be sharing it with their own kids in 30 years’ time.’’

While the pool is closed for refurbishment, the permanent Lifeguards who usually work at this pool will be redeployed to other pools while the work is underway.

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

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