It’s been a long time coming, but Editor in Chief Michelle Giglio finds the new North Sydney Olympic Pool has been worth the wait.
It’s been 90 years since the North Sydney Olympic Pool first opened at its iconic harbourside location in Milsons Point. Framed by the Sydney Harbour Bridge on its right, and Luna Park on its left, the pool has been an important part of Sydney’s landscape and history. Australian swimming legends like Shane Gould and John Devitt broke 86 world records at the pool, a history which has been overshadowed in recent years by the controversial renovation.
North Sydney Council must be breathing a sigh of relief, as after five years and $122 million, the pool will reopen on 7 August. The new complex is nothing short of stunning. Despite all the cost blow-outs, constant delays and legal disputes, council really has created a pool for the future.
As a journalist, I was lucky enough to have a private one-hour tour of the new facility, which includes an eight-lane 50 metre pool, two indoor pools, a state of the art gym, creche, outdoor splash area and new group fitness rooms. Did I mention the gelato bar?
The tour really was a trip down memory lane of sorts for me, as I was a frequent user of the old facility. I still remember sharing the cold, high-ceiling change room with former mayor Genia McCaffery after I had done my laps in the outdoor pool. My children did swimming lessons inside at Badger Swim School. Having written so many stories about this pool over the years, I was eagerly waiting to see what $122 million would provide. It did not disappoint. I was completely blown away by the renovation.
The old pool was certainly historic and quaint, and well-patronised, but not user-friendly. You’d start indoors at the top and have to wind your way all the way down to access the main outdoor pool. If you used the steep, narrow, outdoor ‘stairs’ of the grandstand to get down, you flirted with death.
Now neat, sharp changerooms provide a seamless entry to the indoor pools from ground level, with a gentle ramp and the original indoor staircase leading down to the outdoor area. All the little things you need when swimming – like lockers, Dyson hairdryers and goodness me a swimwear dryer – are included free for all users. And as for the heated floors in the changerooms…yes thanks!
There has been a strong emphasis on families, with family change rooms, and a children’s splash pad with timed fountains, spouts and water cannons which is sure to be a hit. There is now a creche, a small but inviting space which leads to an outdoor play area, available for children from six weeks of age.
The beloved sun deck where you can sit on sun loungers and watch Sydney Harbour passing by has been carefully restored, with a lot of the pool brickwork also in similar colours to the art deco era. There is now a much more accessible two-level grandstand, perfect for school swimming carnivals and patrons alike, including UV-filtered shading.
The re-positioning of the gym to face the Harbour is going to want to make you work out, even if it’s not your thing! No expense has been spared with the newest tech, and I had a smooth ride during my few minutes on an exercise bike.
The Art Deco wall of the pool was cleaned and restored
The tile detailing matched to original features.
The indoor program pool
There is now a group fitness space for 17 different classes, and a reformer Pilates studio. As for membership prices, time will tell if patrons find them affordable. They start at $37 a week for gym/swim membership, with no ‘lock-in’ contract. In addition to aqua aerobics, pump and more, there is a spa, steam room and sauna. The indoor program pool can be used for rehabilitation, with the 25 metre lap pool separate. All pools are heated, with the indoor water temperature slightly warmer.
Council will run the ‘Lil’Legends’ swim school, with lessons $24 each. A casual swim will be $11 for adults, $8.80 for children, on par with one of the nearest pools, Lane Cove. No cost for using the sundeck! Lounge chairs included.
Best of all, the outdoor pool has the same hours all year round, unlike many Sydney outdoor pools which reduce hours or close during winter. And gone is the saltiest water of any local pool in Sydney. I remember the last time I swam getting water in my eyes and almost crying. The formula has been reworked, so while the water is still filtered from the Harbour, it has lost its sting. Will the lifeguards still take their stern approach to lanes, politely asking slower swimmers to change lanes if they cannot keep up? Yet to be determined.
The pool attracted serious and recreational swimmers from all over Sydney – as well as many tourists – during its hey day. The ability to swim right next to the Harbour was always a drawcard, and no doubt the crowds will flock back, eager to use such a stunning facility.
The popular Ripples Café and Aqua Dining restaurant will return to their original areas, but are yet to be fitted out, and there is a café on the opening level for a post-workout latte.
This is certainly going to be a welcoming place for locals and visitors to call their own – and council should be proud of staying the course and bringing it to fruition. It has not been an easy road, but the result is world-class and one for the ages.
North Sydney Pool reopening
- Friday 7 August, with free public access from 2.30pm to 6.30pm; free also 10am to 7pm on 8-9 August
- There are sure to be queues, so expect a wait
- The gym will not be available for use during the opening weekend, but first use is Monday, 10 August
- northsydneyomypicpool.com.au