Correcting the record on the Pool

There have been a number of errors in recent media reports about the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment. Here are the facts.

Error

The Pool will remain open until 22 February when a rescission motion will be heard.

Fact

Council has resolved to keep the pool open until a contract has been signed. The rescission motion does not stop negotiations with the preferred tenderer, which have already begun. At this stage Council is still on track for construction to start in early February. Prior to handing over the site, the pool will need to be closed for three to four weeks for decommissioning, which includes emptying the pools and removing furniture, equipment and memorabilia.

Error

The pool has been given the tick of approval by structural engineers to keep operating for at least another six months.

Fact

The engineers reported there was no visual evidence of further significant deterioration. However, they had previously reported that the pool concourse and grandstand were compromised resulting in load limits and other restrictions. The pool cannot operate in the sense that the community would expect from a public pool. Council’s choice is either to inconvenience a small number of lap swimmers that are currently using the pool under the restricted conditions or begin construction so that it can open without restrictions for the summer of 2022.

Error

The costs have “blown out”

Fact

The cost of construction remains within 5% of the estimate originally provided by Council’s quantity surveyors. The entire budget allocation has increased from $57.9M to $63.9M. This includes money already spent over the past 18 months for design and planning approvals, as well as an allocation for construction, project management and allowance for contingencies.

Error

The pool is a vanity project.

Fact

The pool redevelopment is the majority consensus of the elected councillors. The pool redevelopment has been considered 19 times since July 2013 and councillors have consistently recognised this is an opportunity to improve facilities and meet a wider range of community needs. 

Error

Council is negotiating directly with each construction firm which tendered.

Fact

Council resolved to negotiate with the preferred tenderer(s) in the sequence of their ranking order.