By ANNA USHER

Another summer looks set to pass without a single splash at North Sydney Pool as Council confirms the redevelopment fiasco won’t be finished until late November 2025 – with a public reopening delayed until early 2026.

An updated report tabled at North Sydney Council’s meeting on Monday shows that contractor Icon now expects to hand over the site on 18 November 2025, almost five years after work began on what was originally a two-year project.

But locals eager for a swim this summer will be disappointed again, with three extra months needed to commission the facility and prepare staff and systems – pushing the public reopening into the first quarter of 2026.

Once forecast to cost $57 million over two-years, the project will have taken more than five years and cost $122 million by the time the turnstiles welcome swimmers again.

The number of variation claims lodged by Icon has now reached 541, with 116 under assessment and another 129 flagged, worth an estimated $3.5 million. In their report, Council officers warned:

“There are a significant number of variations either under assessment or to be submitted that will place further pressure on the allocated budget for this project.”
To align with the new timeline, Council has approved extensions to key consultancy contracts under “extenuating circumstances” provisions of the Local Government Act, including:

• $264,050 to Brewster Hjorth Architects (design)
• $261,680 to APP Group (project management)
• $7,080 to CPM (programming)
• $31,600 to Bluestone Management (quantity surveying)
• $270,757 to extend contract works insurance

On-Site Progress: What’s Happening Now?

North Sydney Council says momentum has improved on-site in recent weeks:

• Level 1: Tiling of the children’s leisure pool is complete, with builders now cleaning and preparing for fit-out and inspections.
• Level 2: Final crane infill work has started to allow interior construction to proceed.
• 25m Indoor Pool: Membrane and tiling work is underway to allow waterproofing and surface finishes.
• Mechanical Systems: Equipment commissioning in the pool plant rooms is in progress.
• Level 3 Grandstand: Lower roof gutter liners are installed, with ETFE roofing panels next.
• Safety and Access: Stairway balustrades are being finalised.
• Landscaping: Planting and surface treatments have commenced to improve outdoor amenity.
• Public Realm: Civil works along Alfred Street South, including paving and drainage, are now underway.

When complete, the redeveloped facility will feature:

• A 50m outdoor pool and 25m indoor pool
• A family leisure pool and splash play area
• A 970-seat grandstand
• Spa, sauna, and warm water therapy pools
• A 1,100m² gym and 120m² crèche with outdoor play space
• A new café, retail shop, and the return of the iconic Ripples Café