A Tasmanian pool that has sat empty and deteriorating will splash back to life before summer 2026, as major repair works begin this week.
The Glenorchy War Memorial Pool, closed since July 2023 over safety concerns, is about to undergo a $5 million facelift thanks to funding from the state government.
The pool was shut down after it was found to have serious electrical faults, structural problems and a shell that was leaking an estimated 35,000 litres of water a day.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey called today “extremely exciting” for the community as construction crews got to work.
“I know many people in our community are eagerly looking forward to having the pool reopened and again being able to use it as a community facility,” Hickey said.
The reopening, originally planned for December 2025, has been pushed back a few months, with the pool now expected to be ready by mid-2026.
Hickey acknowledged the community members who refused to let the pool disappear permanently, despite the challenges of dealing with an ageing facility.
“To the many people who lobbied to make this happen and to those who worked closely with council as we navigated our way through the complexities of what was an ageing and unsafe facility, I say a heartfelt thank you,” she said.
The works will breathe new life into the pool with upgraded plant room equipment, structural repairs, an accessible ramp for the 50-metre pool, refurbished change rooms and improved concourse areas.
The project also includes grandstand improvements, a modern heating system and fresh tiling throughout the main pool.
The $5 million repairs are designed as a temporary fix while council pursues far more ambitious plans.
The council is lobbying for $84 million in government funding for a complete redevelopment that would include an outdoor 50-metre pool, water slide, indoor 25-metre lap pool, spa, sauna, steam room, toddler pool, gymnasium, health club and cafe.
Hickey said the facility is much more than just a place to swim.
“Community pools are important. They provide access not only to water-based recreation, fitness opportunities and lifesaving learn-to-swim programs, but they also serve as hubs for people to gather and socialise,” she said.
With Hutchinson Builders now on site, the mayor is confident the experienced Tasmanian company will deliver the project on time.
“I’m looking forward, as no doubt are many other pool users in our community and beyond, to the day we can reopen the pool and get back into the water,” Hickey said.
