Bronte ocean pool investigated for resurfacing after council votes for upgrades

By ERIN MODARO

Waverley council has passed a motion at a recent council meeting to investigate refurbishing the Bronte ocean pool, after wear and tear is making the swimming spot unsafe. The motion, tabled by Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos and Councillor Steven Lewis, notes that sections of the wall and steps have broken off, leaving sharp edges and uneven surfaces hazardous to swimmers.

Opened 135 years ago in 1887 by the council, as one of the first ocean pools in NSW, the Bronte pool has been a popular spot along Sydney’s coast since construction.

Waverley Mayor says report to come on how to proceed with upgrades

“Bronte Pool is one of our most treasured and loved destinations in Waverley and is a key location on the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk which is visited by millions of people each year” Cr Masselos said.

Cr Masselos said in the motion that the council has spent significant time and resources on maintenance of the pool. The last major refurbishment of the pool happened in 2016, causing it to be shut for 5 weeks while upgrades went ahead.

Now, council is considering reverting the pools surface back to the original lime covering, which is thought to be a more durable material than the current surface. Council intends to investigate the “appropriateness and cost effectiveness” of reverting the surface material back to lime.

“We look forward to receiving a report from officers outlining their findings and options on how best to proceed,” Cr Masselos said.

Council has not yet stated when works may begin, and how this might affect opening hours of the pool.