Two-and-a-half years ago, Katoomba pool was facing closure.
A strategic plan had recommended the three outside pools be shut and replaced with a children's outdoor adventure playground.
The main 50-metre pool was said to be crumbling underneath and too expensive to repair. It was built in the early 1970s.
The plans were met with a major outcry from the public, with swim-ins, protest rallies and more than 2,000 submissions. Council eventually rejected the proposal and guaranteed the pool would remain open, at least in the short term.
Now, it will be given a makeover - thanks in large part to the Western Parklands City Deal, part of an injection of funds from the commonwealth and state governments to the eight councils around western Sydney.
With its riches, council this week voted to spend $420,000 for detailed design consultancy services for the upgrade, which will see minor upgrades to the 50-metre pool plus a new fully accessible children's pool and splash pad.
The design will include a separate new plant and filtration system with plant room building and landscape design around the outdoor pool precinct, with additional shade structures and wind breaks.
Generally the scope of works is:
Replace existing children's pool with new inclusive children's pool and wet/dry play area for small children (approximately 200 square metres) and new plant facility;
Children's pool is to be fully accessible and 100 square metre minimum, preferably with one side providing beach entry, and incorporating a minimum 10m by 0.9m depth learn to swim section;
Demolition of concrete concourse and pedestrian pathways around 50 metre pool and children's pool with new concrete finish;
Spectator viewing stand or stepped grassed embankment on the southern hillside;
Additional accessible and inclusive toilets and family change rooms adjoining accessible entry path and children's pool;
Permanent shade structures and wind shelter;
New picnic area;
Accessible entry paths connecting to indoor centre, family change rooms and pool concourse; and
Alternative storage facility for chemicals with clear entry for loading vehicles.
The tender for $419,200 was awarded to Facility Design Group, which is based in Cambewarra in the south coast of NSW.
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