More Delays: North Sydney Pool re-opening pushed back AGAIN.

By ANNA USHER

The completion of North Sydney Olympic Pool has been delayed again, with contractor Icon now projecting a finish date of June 2025.

The forecast is a month later than expected, due to delays with structural steel for the 25m indoor pool roof, which is currently in dispute.

Once completed, it will take a further three months for North Sydney Council to prepare the iconic pool for re-opening to the general public.

Icon has submitted four claims for Extension of Time (EoT) since December 2024, which are currently in mediation. The total number of Requests for Information (RFIs) on the troubled project total 1,746, with 37 still outstanding.

As of January 2025, there are currently 91 quality issues open.

A total of 412 variation claims have been submitted by Icon on this projec

“Council is also aware of a further 99 possible variation claims worth in the order of $3.7m that Icon has not yet submitted,” a report update to be presented at the next Council meeting states.

“It is anticipated that variation claims will continue until the end of the project due to design and contractual issues.

The revised construction contract sum is $91.74m, which includes $173k of variations that have been agreed and closed since the last reporting period.

Council is reviewing further confidential details regarding variation claims and financial adjustments.

“The total project costs remain within the total forecast costs to completion of $122m, however as reported, Council is aware of significant variations that are still to be lodged, and the significant number for RFIs that are still being received.”

North Sydney Council said it continues to focus on addressing quality and compliance issues to ensure the facility meets required standards.