General News
13 February, 2023
Octagonal pool upgrades in the works at Maryborough
The Central Goldfields Shire Council will spend $2 million to upgrade the octagonal pool at the Maryborough Outdoor Pool complex, with a tender for the works now being advertised. The $2 million in funding was granted in 2020 to allow works to be...
The Central Goldfields Shire Council will spend $2 million to upgrade the octagonal pool at the Maryborough Outdoor Pool complex, with a tender for the works now being advertised.
The $2 million in funding was granted in 2020 to allow works to be undertaken on the 50-metre pool, however in July last year, council endorsed a report on the future of the heritage-listed pool.
Following further assessment, it was identified the condition of the pool had declined to the point it had reached its end of life stage, meaning the pool was unsafe to reopen until it had been demolished and rebuilt.
According to council, using the $2 million on the 50-metre pool would have been a short-term fix and would not have addressed the declining integrity of the pool shell.
The funding will instead be used to upgrade the octagonal pool, including an entirely new pool shell, recovery and re-application of original tiling and repairs to the concourse.
Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward councillor Geoff Lovett said council remained committed to seeing the outdoor pool reopened.
“It was a considered and difficult decision for council to make last year to have to close the outdoor pool,” he said.
“We know the closure caused inconvenience and disappointment to our community who haven’t been able to enjoy the facility since the decision was made.
“Rest assured that behind the scenes we continue to advocate tirelessly to state and federal governments for the $6 million we need to rebuild this heritage listed, recreation and sporting icon so as to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations.
“In the meantime, it’s wonderful we can now go out to tender to deliver upgrades to the octagonal pool and minor upgrades to the plant room and the main entrance building.
“This all contributes to us being another step closer to seeing this much-loved community asset re-developed for future generations to enjoy.”
The tender for works will be open until next month, with the permit from Heritage Victoria already in place ahead of works commencing.
Businesses looking to view the tender documents can do so by visiting council’s website at www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/tenders