Glenorchy locals have expressed a strong desire to see their ‘leaky and unsafe’ War Memorial Pool redeveloped and reopened, potentially as a year-round facility.
The 60-year-old pool has remained closed to the public since last July due to various issues, including a leak and structural problems.
A recently released consultant report by MI Global Partners, funded by a $200,000 state government grant, found the pool’s closure had resulted in a noticeable decline in swimming activity across the region.
Data collected during various community consultation sessions revealed strong support for either an outdoor 50-metre pool with indoor aquatic features or an indoor 50-metre pool incorporating some open-air elements and aquatic facilities.
Options presented to the community that excluded a pool altogether, such as multi-purpose courts or parkland, received less interest.
“Although the open-air nature of the GWMP brings a unique and heritage value to the pool that no other aquatic facility has, there is also a desire to have all-year round availability that will require indoor infrastructure,” the report read.
“There is an understanding that high operating and asset costs impacts the viability of aquatic facilities in Hobart and therefore any new facility must be supported with additional commercial offerings such as cafés, health club / gym.”
“A purpose-built facility is needed to maximise user groups and meet demand that currently is not being fulfilled in Glenorchy or the surrounding area including learn to swim, rehabilitation facilities and optimising accessibility for people with disability.”
Outgoing Glenorchy mayor Bec Thomas encouraged residents to review the report and participate in the ongoing community engagement process.
“Council promised the community would be engaged as part of its decision-making regarding the future of the pool site,” she said.
“We know people have strong views on the future of the pool site and I am pleased this process has allowed community to have their say.”
MI Global Partners will now conduct a more in-depth analysis of the preferred options and return to the community for further input before presenting a final report to the council.
The council was promised $5 million in funding for immediate fixes to allow the pool to reopen while longer-term, permanent solutions are developed at the recent state election.
