Pool to close for rebuilding

The Woy Woy swimming pool will close during the construction of the new Peninsula Regional Aquatic Centre.

The mayor, Cr Robert Bell, has responded to a recent petition requesting that part of the Woy Woy Pool complex remain open during the construction of the centre.

Cr Bell said: "Council understands the inconvenience of the closure of the pool and regrets this action.

"However, there is no doubt that in the long term the new facility will benefit the pool users.

"Council staff has been aware of the desirability of keeping the centre open for as long as possible and have made this clear to the consultants with whom it is working on the project.

"It is not possible to keep any part of the existing pool open during the demolition and construction process.

"The area will be required for the construction process, either for the removal and delivery of materials or for accommodation of the building contractor.

"There would be access and safety issues arising with such a large project.

"The site has limited access as it is, and Council would prefer to keep disruption of traffic on Blackwall Rd to a minimum," Cr Bell said.

Cr Bell advised that pool users would have to use Gosford pool for the duration of the construction.

"The facilities at Gosford pool will remain open during the entire construction period," Cr Bell stated.

Letter, January 16