Newcastle’s Swimming Season Kicks Off with Lambton Pool Reopening and Plans for Year-Round Indoor Facility

19 August 2024

An Image of the first day of Lambton Pool re-opening in 2024

Lambton Pool has officially reopened today, marking the start of an extended swimming season in Newcastle. As the community dives back into the water, City of Newcastle has announced the launch of a consultation process aimed at shaping the delivery of Newcastle’s first indoor public pool.

To gather community input, a workshop will be held at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre on 29 August from 11am to 4pm. During the session, Novocastrians will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed year-round pool facility. Additionally, a temporary “ideas wall” will be set up at the pool until 20 October, allowing visitors to share their thoughts during their next swim. For those unable to attend in person, feedback can also be submitted online via City of Newcastle’s website.

The proposed year-round facility is a key priority within City of Newcastle’s Inland Pools Strategy 2043, which aims to ensure the city’s public pools remain fit for purpose well into the future. The plan includes features such as a new indoor 25-metre pool, a toddlers’ pool, a gym, and upgraded changerooms, enhancing both the recreational and educational offerings available year-round.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping the direction of this significant project. “We have invested more than $5 million upgrading and $2 million maintaining the city’s public pool network during the past few years to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of our community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We want to make sure the community shapes the direction and decision-making for our inland pools, including the delivery of a year-round pool facility at Lambton. Swimming and aquatic recreation are intrinsic to our community’s way of life. The addition of a year-round pool facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre will ensure we can enhance our learn-to-swim programming and continue improving water safety across our region.”

The reopening of Lambton Pool is accompanied by a range of maintenance and upgrades completed across the city’s five public pools during the winter closure. This includes safety improvements, extensive re-painting, and repairs to pool tiles and promenades. Close to $1.5 million has been invested in new heat pumps and solar matting at the Mayfield and Wallsend pools, with installation set to be completed in time for the new season.

Cr Nelmes highlighted that these heating upgrades will be crucial in maintaining comfortable water temperatures, particularly as the swimming season extends to 30 weeks, running from the start of the September school holidays through to the end of April. Additionally, the existing solar heating system at Beresfield pool will be replaced next year as part of a $220,000 grant received from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation program.

The reopening of the Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton, and Beresfield pools is scheduled for the beginning of the September school holidays, with all facilities poised to welcome back swimmers for what promises to be another vibrant season.

City of Newcastle’s pools experienced their busiest season in almost 30 years during 2023/24, attracting nearly 450,000 visitors. With renewed facilities and a focus on future growth, the city is committed to providing accessible and enjoyable aquatic spaces for all residents. As the community consultation kicks off, Novocastrians are encouraged to share their vision for the year-round facility at Lambton.