Kirby Swim School: Melville Plaza pool being resurrected by Olympic gold medallist Bill Kirby

A FORGOTTEN pool nestled in the heart of Bicton is in the process of being brought back to life by Olympic gold medallist Bill Kirby.

Operated by infamous gym industry figure Laurie Potter in the 1980s, the Melville Plaza facility has sat dormant for 29 years.

Now, Mr Kirby and property group Hawaiian are resurrecting the pool, with refurbishment already underway and slated for completion by the start of November.

When completed, Kirby Swim School will take up the tenancy, offering both swimming lessons for children and aqua therapy classes such as water walking and aquarobics for the elderly.

“I’ve been a Melville resident for the past six or seven years and literally live about 500m away from the shopping centre,” Mr Kirby said.

“I come here all the time and never would have guessed there was a pool, so when I found out I was immensely surprised.

“I already have purpose built pools in Mandurah and Karrinyup and wasn’t on the lookout for a new one at all but being from the area I thought it was such a good opportunity and decided to throw my hat in the ring.”

The existing pool needs to have a brand new filtration system installed and will also be completely re-tiled.

Other works will include a raised toddlers’ area, new bathroom amenities, a first aid room and a new reception area.

Hawaiian senior property manager Steve Cuzens said the refurbishment was part of the property group’s greater plans for Melville Plaza, with further works set to be announced in 2017.

“We’ve got plans that we haven’t really discussed with council yet so everything is pretty well under wraps at the moment,” he said.

“But there are a couple of things coming up that will improve the centre substantially.”