The Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is gearing up to herald a new era.
From Monday 8 May, the demolition of the existing 60-year-old concrete grandstand gets underway to make way for a new facility capable of hosting 800 people during carnivals.
The work, timed to coincide with the upcoming closure of the pool on 28 May for the winter period to minimise impact on users, is part of City of Newcastle’s (CN) continued investment to protect, and enhance, the popular complex.
Council hopes to appoint a tender for the construction of the development by the end of the month.
A scheduled program of maintenance has started at the centre and includes safety upgrades, painting, and changeroom improvements, while the installation of a more efficient heating system is also in progress.
CN’s infrastructure advisory committee councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said replacing the grandstand reflected council’s commitment to investing in quality upgrades to its inland pool facilities, as outlined in the draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043.
“This work at the Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre ensures we meet the expectations and evolving needs of the 185,000 community members, sporting clubs and visitors who enjoy the pool each year,” she explained.
The design for the new grandstand retains the existing roof structure and includes much-needed storage space for operational requirements including equipment for school and sporting groups, while also including upgraded accessibility considerations.
Cr Winney-Baartz said with Lambton being the most popular swimming centre in the Hunter, it was important the site’s offerings expanded to serve the community.
“With a growing population, replacing the current grandstand with a structure that can accommodate up to 800 people while also catering for the needs of sporting clubs and improved accessibility will contribute to its safe operation into the future while meeting the requirements of its many diverse users,” she added.
CN’s draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 outlines a plan for the management and renewal of CN’s five swimming pools over the next 20 years.
The community is invited to provide feedback on the strategy before 5pm on 12 May by visiting www.haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/inland-pools-strategy.
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