The Glenorchy War Memorial Pool will remain closed this season and for the foreseeable future due to safety issues, Mayor Bec Thomas has announced.
The 1960s-built pool has deteriorated to the point that it now poses a risk to the community, according to a consultant’s report.
The report highlighted critical issues such as leaks in the pool shell, structural problems with the grandstand, an outdated electrical switchboard and the need for complete refurbishments in the chemical dosing and changeroom areas.
Mayor Thomas said the 50m heated pool “has served its community extremely well over the last 60 years.”
“While we will consider our options, the scale of the work required is not something the Glenorchy City Council would be able to afford on our own,” she said.
“The business case for the pool, as it is, is not particularly strong.”
“As an outdoor pool it has a limited season, with many people preferring to use Hobart’s Aquatic Centre which is a more modern facility just 10 minutes up the road.”
Last season less than 100 people used the pool every day on average at an annual cost of about $400,000 to Glenorchy ratepayers.
“Preliminary estimates are that to redevelop the pool to modern standards would be a project in the vicinity of $30 million.”
Mayor Thomas said she is planning to meet with state and federal governments to discuss potential solutions and funding.
“Unfortunately, this is not a quick fix, and as council, we need to be certain we are making appropriate investment in our community facilities.”
“This means considering not only the up-front cost of re-developed infrastructure, but also demand and ongoing financial sustainability and the whole-of-life asset cost.”
“We understand some people have strong connection to the pool, and as a memorial facility it holds significance to the city.”
“However, we also need to be realistic about the size and scope of the work required to keep a facility like this operational.”
Glenorchy Councillors will receive a report into the pool, including options moving forward, at their next council meeting.
