Dawn Fraser Pool saved – urgent heritage restoration to go ahead
Friday, 16 August 2019
The long-awaited heritage restoration of Dawn Fraser Pool will commence shortly after Council signed off on the tender for the Pool’s
refurbishment. Construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2020 summer swim season.
Last year, Council adopted the Dawn Fraser Pool Master Plan, which demonstrated that if priority works were not undertaken immediately the Pool was likely to become unsafe for public and sporting use in the near future.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne thanked the efforts of the local community who fought hard to save Dawn Fraser Pool.
“We’ve had to fill a significant funding shortfall to deliver this heritage restoration. The massive turnout by local people at our Save Dawny Rally in October last year was the catalyst for attracting that funding.
“Having learnt to swim at this Pool myself, I understand the deep emotional attachment of people of all ages in our community feel for this picturesque pool.
“I’d thank the Minister for Sport for granting Council the necessary funds to help complete Dawny’s restoration. This pool has brought a lot of joy to locals and visitors for nearly 140 years,” said Mayor Byrne.
Minister for Sport John Sidoti said it was important that such a nationally significant heritage site was fully rehabilitated, so that generations to come could enjoy Dawn Fraser Baths.
“The grant from the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund will provide for the urgent upgrade to the ageing facilities at the Baths, while still protecting the heritage of this iconic venue. I’m looking forward to Dawn Fraser Baths being restored to its former glory,” he said.
The heritage restoration of this Baths includes:
- Replacing the pavilion including the decking
- Upgrading the lighting to improve capacity for training and competitions at night and make sure UTS Balmain Tigers Water Polo Club can remain in their home pool
- Raising the Baths floor level to mitigate sea level rise and future-proof the facility
- Improving the entry configuration and access from the harbour foreshore
- Renovating the male and female showers, toilets and change rooms
- Providing 4 new unisex family change rooms
- Providing a new equal access toilet, shower and change room
Council successfully obtained a $2.2 million grant from the NSW Government, which - when added to the $4.5 million already committed by Council - has enabled the urgent works to commence.
For media enquiries, please contact John Roper on 0435 963 787.