Set to become Sydney’s best aquatic centre, the redevelopment of North Sydney Olympic Pool has received another blow after Council revealed the cost of completing the project is set to soar by $25 million – $30 million more than the original $64 million budget. This will make it Sydney’s most expensive council-led pool redevelopment.

The project is months behind and is not expected to be open until April 2024 – a year and a half after the original November 2022 completion date.

These cost blowouts will have major ramifications on a long list of infrastructure projects. For example, long-term planned town centre upgrades for Neutral Bay, Cremorne and North Sydney will no doubt be deferred.

The new state-of-the-art fitness and leisure centre will significantly improve and expand the aquatic and recreational facilities available. This includes:

• existing 50 metre and 25 metre pools will be upgraded and art deco features will be maintained, including the harbourside wall, sundeck and heritage stair tower,
• a new warm water pool suitable for gentle exercise,
• an expanded gym with harbour views,
• a larger crèche with private indoor and outdoor spaces, and
• a new 970-person grandstand with permanent shade for sun-safe swimming carnivals.