Singleton’s 25m indoor heated pool will not be open this winter.
The pool was closed last year for refurbishment and while the pool itself and the pump infrastructure underneath is in good condition, the roof overhead has been now deemed unsafe.
A report to Singleton Council recommends considerable funding to address the situation but even if approved, it means access to swimming beyond the hydro-pool used for rehabilitation and swimming lessons, stops for winter.
Demolition can proceed within the existing budget, but additional provisional funding of $2.94m establishing a total project budget of $6.69 is required to progress procurement and design development.
At its meeting on Tuesday night, Council recommendation by staff is to approve the commencement of procurement activities for the demolition of the existing dome structure, to be funded from the currently approved project budget and approve an additional budget provision of $2,943,407 comprising $1,210,412 from Unallocated Loans, and $1,732,995 from the Infrastructure Management Fund to establish a total provisional project budget of $6,687,522.
This decision does not commit Singleton Council to the final design that could include an open-air heated pool.
Council is in discussions with management of Singleton Gym and Swim, Belgravia, about the impacts on members and the business.
The matter is listed on the March 17 council meeting agenda for those interested in hearing the discussion.
