DESPITE hopes the new $7 million Nowra Pool may be open for the start of this year’s swimming season, it appears the complex won’t be ready until next February.
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While that may be a little later than expected, Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash said work on the complex is “on track”.
“At this stage, we are looking at an opening in February,” she said.
“That is later than anticipated but it is a huge job that is being undertaken.”
Council is yet to decide whether the complex, which will feature nine lanes instead of the previous seven, new filtration equipment, heating, a FINA compliant water polo facility and an aquatic water park, including a splash pad, would be open all year round.
“Initially it is only budgeted to have the pool open for the six months of the summer swim season,” Cr Gash said.
“We will meet with contractors, Zauner Constructions, and see how they are progressing. Hopefully they will come in under budget and that would free up more money in the budget and allow council to consider further opening hours.
“But nothing has been decided by council yet.
“We have to wait until we are further advanced with the project and see where we are at.”
Cr Gash said her understanding is the heating system being installed in the new facility has the capability to heat the water to make the pool useable 12-months the year.
“But whether council will decide to do that is a discussion we are yet to have. And it would ultimately depend on finances,” she said.
“There is also the consideration of then having two heated pools, one at Bomaderry and one at Nowra, operating in the one area at the same time.”
Contractors have made good progress in the past month, completing the demolition of the old pool and its surrounds and clearing the site.
The outer perimeter for the pool has been excavated,and the actual positioning of the pool marked.
