Deputy Mayor Mark Greenhill and fellow Ward 4 councillor Fiona Creed said Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) had earmarked the money in next year’s budget for a major overhaul of the centre.

“What we are announcing . . . is we have successfully had $900,000 set aside for next year’s budget in order to bring about the upgrade of Glenbrook swim centre,” Clr Greenhill told the Gazette.

“This still has to be voted on by council but we have worked hard in budget sessions to have this money quarantined.

“Provided it receives the support of our colleagues, it will see the biggest boost to Glenbrook swim centre since it first opened.

“This kills stone dead speculation that Glenbrook could close in the future. Council would not make such a big investment if there was any risk of this pool not staying open.

“This secures the future of Glenbrook swimming pool.”

The Gazette revealed last November that a shadow had been cast over the future of all local swimming pools as BMCC faced maintenance bills worth millions of dollars, and Glenbrook’s proximity to the popular Springwood Aquatic Centre caused speculation it could be in the firing line.

Clr Creed said the work to be completed under the proposed funding included replacing the entire shell of the main pool, an upgrade to the machinery that runs the pool, as well as a general spruce up.

“We are replacing the pool shell for the main pool, there is a plant upgrade and there’s also a general space upgrade of the centre, which Glenbrook pool badly needs,” she said.

“When there is inclement weather and swimming club is on, they only have a tiny area and there’s not enough cover out there.

“Hopefully some of the staff facilities will be spruced up as well.

“This upgrade will be of benefit to all the users. Glenbrook pool traditionally attracts people from other areas and by council spending this money we are hoping it will increase the patronage of Glenbrook pool and visitation rates. We will be encouraging our fellow councillors to vote for this because it’s very important for Glenbrook pool.”

Councillors will vote on the issue shortly and Clr Greenhill said the work would be planned “as much as possible” outside the swimming season.