Prince Alfred Park Pool nearly ready

Work on Sydney’s newest inner city pool is nearing completion and the facility will finally open this summer, says Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

The project – which began in October 2009 – is now 80 per cent complete, with the pool itself virtually finished.

But the Lord Mayor says major finishing touches are required before it can open to the public.

“Around 80 per cent of the pool complex is complete, however significant works are still required to finish the café/kiosk, the toddlers’ splash deck and shade structure, landscaping and fencing to ensure the site is safe and secure,” said Ms Moore.

“We are working hard to complete the project as quickly as possible and it is expected to be open this summer.”

Ms Moore’s comments, while encouraging to local swimmers, appear to signal a further slight delay to the project, which is already a year behind schedule. City of Sydney CEO Monica Bar one told a Council meeting just last week that the pool will be open “in time for summer”, which begins on December 1. Ms Moore’s latest comments posit the opening date anywhere from December 1 to the end of summer on February 28 next year.

However, the Lord Mayor said there were valid reasons for the ongoing delays.“Because of exposure to the elements, construction was impacted and delayed by frequent heavy rainfall,” she said.

“Since construction of the heated outdoor pool began, the project has suffered over 300 days of rainfall – the highest recorded in Sydney since 1959.

“20 wet days per year is the industry standard when planning a project like this.”

Ms Moore said the project was also hampered by the discovery of contaminated soil, which had to be treated.

The Lord Mayor was backed by political opponents, who agreed the project had faced significant, time consuming hurdles.

“It’s very disappointing but sometimes these things can’t be helped and from my understanding, the delays were in this case unavoidable,” said Living Sydney Councillor Angela Vithoulkas.

Liberal Councillor Christine Forster said: “This project began well before my involvement with Council but it would appear there are good reasons for the delay.”

Labor Councillor Linda Scott concurred, adding: “I know I’m just one of the many people who look forward to swimming there this summer.”

Ms Moore said: “I have been disappointed with the delays – but I know that when the pool is finished it will be a wonderful addition to the local area.

“In the last eight years the City has completed nearly 800 projects – the overall majority have been completed on time.”