Winter works deliver $1 million pool upgrades across Newcastle

newy.com.au – City of Newcastle has completed more than $1 million in upgrades to its network of five inland swimming pools during the winter closure, ahead of the summer reopening. The works included major improvements at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre, Beresfield Swimming Centre and Stockton Swimming Centre.

Three new heat pumps have been installed at Lambton to provide warmer water when the pool reopens on 25 August, along with a new platform lift and ramp to improve accessibility. Beresfield’s solar heating system has been replaced, supported by a $220,000 NSW Government grant, which required modifications to the pump room and installation of new rooftop thermal solar matting. Stockton has received a $145,000 upgrade featuring new playground equipment, barbecues, picnic tables, shade structures and accessible footpaths.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the program included safety upgrades, repainting, pool tile and promenade maintenance, plant room servicing, plumbing repairs, new roller shutters at Wallsend and Lambton, and lighting improvements at Beresfield and Mayfield. “City of Newcastle is committed to providing safe, clean and enjoyable aquatic facilities for the community,” Ms Duffy said.

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, who secured funding for Beresfield through the Local Small Commitments Grant scheme, said the pool is an important community asset. “Providing this $220,000 from the Minns Government will go a long way to ensuring the pool is kept heated into the swimming season and provide a more comfortable experience in the water for our local swimmers and swimming clubs,” Ms Hornery said.