Glenorchy City Council has voted to commence contract negotiations with a preferred tenderer to conduct the repair and refurbishment of the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool.
The decision was supported unanimously during a closed section of the council’s monthly meeting on Monday afternoon.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the decision was a key moment in the council’s efforts to reopen the pool following its closure in 2023 due to public safety concerns with work funded by a $5 million State Government grant.
“Being able to commence work on this project will no doubt be warmly welcomed by the many supporters of the pool and the broader community who told us they wanted the pool repaired as a priority.”
Mayor Hickey said having tested the market through a competitive tender process for the required works, it was clear the original reopening timeline of December would not be achieved.
“While we always knew that timeline was ambitious, it is clear the extent of the works will mean they will not be finished until mid-2026, meaning it will be reopened for the swimming season commencing late that year.
“I know people will be disappointed that the original timeline we were hoping for cannot be met, but Council felt it was important to be open about the timeline now that the tenders have been received,” Mayor Hickey said.
The refurbishment is expected to add at least five years of service to the life of the pool. The details of the tenderer and contract sum will be provided once contract negotiations are completed.
Mayor Hickey said Council was continuing to lobby for $84 million in government funding for a major redevelopment of the facility.
“The community has made it clear that an aquatic centre is a priority for a Glenorchy, both in the short and long term. We will continue pushing for government funding to develop an aquatic facility which will serve not just our municipal area, but the entire southern region.
“I know many people in the community are supporting Council’s efforts to secure funding, and I can guarantee that we’ll keep knocking on MPs doors until we do,” she said.