Questions remain over end price tag of North Sydney Pool reconstruction
The scaffolding is gone, tiles are buffed and the door has finally opened on North Sydney Olympic Pool.
Locals have waited five years for this day, officially 7 August, for the pool redevelopment to end. Originally slated to reopen in 2022 and cost $57.9 million, the building was delayed and budget blewout to $122 million.
That figure has not been finalised, with over $10 million in ‘unresolved’ contract variation claims still outstanding from builder Icon. This could push the final cost to $237.6 million, well over the budgeted $122 million. “(The value) represents the amount claimed by Icon and does not reflect the amount that will necessarily be agreed or paid by council,” said council director of open space Gary Parsons in his June report to council.
“Whilst project expenditure currently remains within budget, there are a significant number of variations that are either under assessment or that have not been agreed (with) Icon.”
Support for the reopening has been substantial, with almost four weeks of free community tours of the new facility very popular with the public.
While much has changed at the site, with an extra indoor pool added, complete with spa, sauna and steam room, a new accessible grandstand with UV shading, and children’s outdoor splashpad, the Art Deco harbourside façade of the pool has been lovingly restored. The indoor tiled staircase has also had a makeover within the original lift building. The Hall of Fame walkway which detailed the pool’s history and swimming legends past is no longer a feature of the building. However there will be a replacement eventually installed.
The front entrance has moved slightly up from the original, with seamless entry to the indoor pools now available through the striking black and white-themed changerooms.
Questions have turned now to how council will recoup its losses, with a recent 52.66% rate rise not intended to cover the pool cost.
Pool fees and charges give some indication of where fast money may be made. Private school swimming carnivals will cost $4,480, birthday parties with an inflatable are $550, and filming will set you back $225 just to apply – with ‘market pricing’ for two hours minimum hire of the pool.
A council spokesperson said there had already been ‘strong interest ahead of the opening regarding filming and future access.’
“Recent activities at the pool have included the Sydney Film Festival’s 2026 Directors Series interviews, a charity event hosted by the Michael Klim Foundation and a media conference with Swimming Australia ahead of the Commonwealth Games Trials,” the spokesperson added.
New Year’s Eve should be another good source of income for the pool. In year’s past, the council conducted family fun nights, with the one in 2019 cancelled as the concourse was deemed unsafe. It was reported council lost around $30,000 in forecast income. With tickets for New Year’s Eve at Luna Park costing anywhere up to $799 last year, council is tight-lipped about its plans for 2026, saying ‘ no decisions have yet been made.’
There is still the matter of a legal dispute between council, Icon and Brewster Hjorth Architects, which is listed for Supreme Court directions on 31 July.
The pool is celebrating the opening with free access to the pool starting at 2.30pm on Friday 7 August, and running until Sunday 9 August. Just don’t ask to use the gym equipment or do a reformer Pilates class as they will only be available from 10 August.