By ANNA USHER

The troubled redevelopment of the North Sydney Olympic Pool is facing another delay, with council documents confirming the practical completion date remains “undeterminded”.

A confidential report prepared for North Sydney Council’s 23 February meeting confirms construction is “substantially complete”, but builder Icon has not yet applied for practical completion – a mandatory step before the site can be formally handed back to council.

Even once that milestone is reached, council officers warn it will take a further two to three months before the pool can open to the public.

The report also exposes the ongoing financial risk facing ratepayers.

Since works began in March 2021, the contractor has submitted 701 variation claims. As of early February, 116 claims remain unresolved, with a combined submitted value of more than $10.5 million. A further nine forecast variations valued at $352,000 are yet to be submitted.

Council stresses this figure reflects claims made, not amounts agreed or paid – and confirms additional claims may still be lodged.

While the revised construction contract currently stands at $93.6 million, the overall project remains within the $122 budget approved in February 2024 – however council warns there are many variations yet to be signed off.

“There are a significant number of variations that are either under assessment or that have not been agreed, along with variation claims that are known and yet to be submitted and further variations to be advised,” the latest project update said.
“These variations will place pressure on the allocated budget for this project.”

The update also reveals the scale of remaining defects and disputes. More than 560 quality issues are still outstanding, with hundreds either under inspection or in dispute.

“267 matters have now been closed; however, it is anticipated that quality issues will continue to be raised given the project is now in a commissioning and inspection phase. Quality matters will continue to be addressed as required for Practical Completion.”

Meanwhile, Council says its Leisure and Aquatic team is being onboarded, with seven of the 11 senior roles now filled and other roles currently in recruitment. Quotations for loose furniture and fittings have been received and gym equipment purchased, ready for installation.

“Operating policies and procedures are being finalised, before being sent to Council’s Executive Leadership Team for final review and approval. Fees and Charges are now on public exhibition,” the report says.

For residents, the message is familiar: almost finished – but still no opening date, five years after the redevelopment of North Sydney Olympic Pool began.