Work on Townsville City Council’s $11.3 million Tobruk Memorial Baths redevelopment is kicking off swimmingly.
The historic pool – which has been one of Townsville’s most iconic swimming spots for nearly 70 years – will be closed from Monday as it undergoes a much-needed facelift.
Townsville Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the project was part of Council’s $409.1 million infrastructure and capital spend in the 2019/20 Budget.
“Council is investing in important public facilities that support the great lifestyle we enjoy in Townsville,” Cr Walker said.
“Tobruk Memorial Baths are not just an important part of history to Townsville but to the Australian swimming community and that is why Council is invested in restoring the pools.
“Some of Australia’s best athletes like Dawn Fraser and Laurie Lawrence swam here and we want residents and visitors to continue enjoying the pools well into the future.”
The first stage of the redevelopment includes draining the pool, surveying and inspecting the tiles and recording the features to be sure the redevelopment complies with the heritage requirements.
Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Molachino said the project includes a new 50m pool and toddler pool, refurbished toilets and showers, a new shade structure and an updated filtration system.
“Council will decommission the 50 metre pool and replace it with a new eight lane pool with wider lanes and a wet deck,” Cr Molachino said.
“A new ramp into the 50 metre pool and sloped entrance into the toddler pool will allow safer access to all swimmers.
“Other upgrades will also include a new toddler pool and shade, and a complete overhaul of the filtration system.”
Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney thanks all users of the pool for their patience as works are underway.
“The Tobruk Memorial Baths is an incredibly popular facility for the community and I’m really looking to seeing the users enjoy the upgrades once re-opened.
“Council has worked closely with the tenant of the pool to make sure all the groups running out of Tobruk have been moved to other venues.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and support while we redevelop this iconic venue.”
