The community feedback period on the proposed $3.24 million revitalisation project of Helensburgh Pool and new lighting installation at Rex Jackson Sport Fields has now closed.

With funding secured under the NSW Government Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund, Wollongong City Council is proposing a new 25-metre pool with six lanes and an accessible ramp-style entry, a water splash pad to replace the existing toddler pool, new LED lighting, a solar shade structure and new filtration systems and tanks.

The existing pool shell has concrete cancer and needs complete recementing. All together, including the building of new facilities, the project is expected to take up to 12 months. It is scheduled for 2024/2025 with completion set for the end of 2025 – meaning the pool will be shut over the 2024/2025 swim season.

“The Helensburgh Pool has reached the end of its life," a Council spokesperson said.

"Council is keen to take the opportunity to renew the pool and provide a more modern and accessible facility that suits the needs of the community for years to come."

The pool opened in 1969 following significant fundraising efforts by the local community – led by the Helensburgh Pool Committee – and donations from the Miners Federation, the Joint Coal Board and Helensburgh RSL Sub Branch, which were later matched by Wollongong City Council. It then became a war memorial for servicemen of Helensburgh and surrounding suburbs.

Helensburgh Pool has been free for public use since it opened. News of its extensive upgrades prompted concerns that an entry fee might be introduced, but Council said there are no plans to change the entry conditions.

Community feedback on the upgrades began in late April and closed on Sunday, May 7.

Council will now collate and review the feedback to create a brief for the design consultant.

“We’ll check back in with our community and provide an update on the project when we reach our next milestone,” a Council spokesperson said.