Sydney’s second CBD will be a pool free zone when Parramatta War Memorial Pool closes next month.
A Parramatta Council report has provided an update on a new aquatic centre.
Stage one of the Mays Hill precinct masterplan identified two potential sites.
The Sun can reveal they’re the corner of Park Parade and Pitt Street (north of the Jubilee Avenue walkway) and the school oval site adjacent to Pitt Street.
The community is urged to give their feedback during the stage two consultation.
The council is finalising its interim swimming management plan, which will be unveiled this month.
“While I share the community’s frustrations with the fact the pool is closing and there’ll be some time before a new pool is built, it’s important the council approves the new design with the full consultation of the community,” council administrator Amanda Chadwick said.
It remains unclear what the state government will contribute towards the pool.
“The NSW government has indicated that it will consider a financial contribution towards the capital costs of constructing a new aquatic leisure facility in Parramatta, however, no commitments have been made to a specific funding level at this time,” the council report states.
A spokeswoman for sports minister Stuart Ayres said the government has provided $400,000 towards planning the pool relocation.
North Parramatta Residents Action Group will host a public forum 7pm at Burnside Public School on February 27. It will mark 61 years after the first public meeting was held to discuss the need for a pool in Parramatta.
“We have a panel including school principals, architects, environmental and health experts,” president Suzette Meade said.
“Parramatta MP Geoff Lee has been invited to answer the questions from his constituents on why the state government is taking their pool without a replacement.”