newy.com.au – Swansea Swim Centre’s 50m pool will be replaced over the next two years after investigations found extensive corrosion in the 65-year-old concrete structure, forcing the swim centre out of action for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 swimming seasons.
Lake Macquarie City Council had planned to install a new pool liner after crews drained the existing pool in April to allow structural investigations to take place. Those checks found corrosion significant enough to rule out simply relining the pool.
Council Manager Assets Dayne Harris said engineering advice showed the liner option would not provide a lasting fix.
“Expert engineering advice concluded that installation of a new fibreglass liner wouldn’t stop the structural corrosion, and would produce high risks of defects within the next 5-10 years,” he said.
“We’ve thoroughly investigated all options and the most sensible path forward is to replace the 50m pool with an entirely new structure in the same location.”
Mr Harris said Council understood the disruption would affect regular users but there was no practical alternative.
“That is unfortunately going to mean the swim centre is out of action for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 swimming seasons,” he said.
“We understand this is a major inconvenience to people in the community who use Swansea Swim Centre, but we will do everything within our capacity to expedite the pool’s replacement.
“There is simply no practical alternative, given the condition of the current structure.”
Council staff have met with user group Friends of Swansea Pool to outline the findings and discuss alternative arrangements. Planning has begun to shift programs to other Council aquatic facilities, including Charlestown, Speers Point and West Wallsend swim centres.
“We are committed to working directly with all pool users to find alternative venues during the upcoming swim season,” Mr Harris said.
“The good news is, a new concrete pool is expected to last 50-100 years – far longer than the lifespan of a new liner, had we been able to pursue that option.”
A cost estimate for the Swansea Swim Centre Stage One works, including the pool replacement, will be released once the design is finalised and the tender process is complete.
Future stages of the project include construction of a new learn-to-swim pool, water play area and car park, followed by proposed amenities upgrades and grandstand replacement.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said Council would keep working with pool users and other stakeholders while the replacement project progressed.
“We know this is disappointing for pool users, but we are committed to delivering a facility that will serve the community for generations to come,” he said.
“Now that the 50m pool at Swansea – a 65-year-old asset – is set to be replaced, I’ll work with Council to investigate whether there are opportunities to fast-track delivery of the learn-to-swim pool.”
