Glenorchy War Memorial Pool

Why Was the Pool Closed?

The pool was closed after an independent condition assessment found several safety issues that posed unacceptable risks to the public and staff. Built in the 1960s, the facility is 60 years old — well beyond the typical 40–50 year operational lifespan for pools of its type. At this age, normal maintenance can no longer keep pace with deterioration.

The pool was also leaking approximately 35,000 litres of water per day into the surrounding environment — well above what could be attributed to evaporation or splashing. Council had no choice but to prioritise public safety and close the facility.

The full condition report by Lacus Consulting can be found here.

Short-Term: Repair and Reopen

Following strong community feedback and bipartisan State Government election commitments, $5 million in funding was confirmed in the State Budget to repair and reopen the pool.

Scope of Works

Council has worked with aquatic engineers and specialist designers to develop a repair plan, which includes:

• Upgrades to the entry area, changerooms, and toilet facilities
• Concrete repairs to the grandstand, plant room, and pool surrounds
• New pool expansion joints and repainting
• New heating system and switchboard
• Upgraded pool drains and plant room
• New chemical delivery bund
• All-abilities accessible ramp entry into the main pool
• Separate filtration system for the toddler pool
• Removal of the waterslide (assessed as a significant safety risk)
• Pavement repairs around the pool

Construction

A contract was signed with Hutchinson Builders in June 2025. Works are expected to be completed in mid-2026. The repair works are projected to extend the life of the current facility by at least five to seven years.

Construction Stages

Stage 1 — Site establishment, demolition, and inground services

Stage 2 — Plant room and pool infrastructure repairs, ramp reconstruction, pool repair works, changeroom refurbishment, concourse works, grandstand improvements, and pool tiling and sealing

Stage 3 — Finishing works, commissioning, approvals, and handover to Council

Pool Shell Preservation

While the pool is empty during repairs, hydrostatic relief valves have been installed in the floor of the pool shell. These valves prevent ground water pressure from building up underneath and cracking the shell. Core holes were drilled on 8 April 2024 in accordance with engineering specifications.

Where Can People Swim in the Meantime?

The closest public swimming pools are the Hobart Aquatic Centre (indoor), Clarence Aquatic Centre (indoor), Huon Valley Pool (outdoor), and New Norfolk Pool (outdoor).

Long-Term: Redevelopment Planning

Repairing the pool is a short-term solution. Given the facility’s age, Council is simultaneously planning for its long-term future.

Council received a $200,000 State Government grant to fund a feasibility study, led by consultants MI Global Partners. Following extensive community consultation — including nearly 950 survey responses — the study found overwhelming community support for retaining and redeveloping a pool on the current site. An Elector Poll confirmed this, with 93% of over 22,000 votes in favour of a modern redeveloped facility.

Preferred Option

At the August 2024 Council meeting, elected members voted on three shortlisted options. The preferred option is a combined outdoor and indoor aquatic facility featuring:

• Outdoor 50m pool
• Indoor 25m lap pool
• Indoor 20m warm water learn-to-swim pool
• Wellness hall (spa, sauna, and steam)
• Leisure and toddler pool
• Café and gym

Full concept designs, cost planning, and modelling were presented to Council on 21 October 2024.

Cost and Funding

The estimated cost of the redeveloped facility is approximately $80 million. Council cannot fund this alone and is actively lobbying both State and Federal Governments for funding support. A business case has been prepared to support this advocacy.

If Council were to borrow approximately a third of the project cost, this could translate to an estimated 9% increase in rates — though the final figure would depend on construction costs, operational losses, and funding secured. Council will keep the community informed as the financial picture becomes clearer.

How You Can Help

Council encourages the community to contact State and Federal politicians and candidates to advocate for funding for the pool redevelopment. A template letter can be found below.

Key Documents & References

• Lacus Condition Report — available via the July 2023 Council meeting papers
• MI Global Insights Report
• Options Assessment Report (presented 26 August 2024)
• Preferred Option Concept Design and Business Case (presented 21 October 2024)