Council apologises over park pool delay
Image: An artist's impression of Prince Alfred Park Pool
The opening of Prince Alfred Park Pool near Central Station has once again been delayed.
The renewal of the Surry Hills pool had already suffered delays last November due to an unprecedented amount of rainfall. Having originally been expected to be open in time for summer, its opening date has now been pushed back to March this year.
A spokesperson for the City of Sydney said they are doing everything possible to ensure the pool is ready.
“We’re sorry – the pool has taken too long. Several key elements of the project are behind schedule… the pool does not yet meet public safety standards,” said the spokesperson.
A combination of complications arising from poor water quality and an unfinished entrance has resulted in the delay. Work on renewing the pool has exceeded original budget expectations, with the projected $19 million cost expected to become $22 million.
Liberal Councillor Edward Mandla does not accept the excuses offered in extending the proposed completion date.
“Council appears to have an endemic project management problem. It seems that nothing gets delivered on time. It would appear that under Council’s project management practices, the pool will be open for winter,” he said.
The Council spokesperson said the pool is not at a stage where it can be safely opened, and works on various areas of the site are still in progress.
“As public safety is paramount, the pool cannot be opened until it meets all safety requirements,” said the spokesperson.
“Throughout the life of this project the City has done everything in its power consistent with its contractual obligations … to complete the pool on time.”
Already a year behind schedule, the City of Sydney proposes to offer the public one-month free entry “to thank them for their patience and understanding”.
Labor Councillor Linda Scott said the delays have been particularly frustrating and Council needed to do more to compensate.
“The pool should be free for a year given the delays the community has had to endure,” she said.
Liberal Councillor Christine Forster agreed: “It’s very disappointing really that it wasn’t open for summer. This has been a protracted project that has taken way longer than it was ever expected to.”
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