PUBLIC pressure contributed to the City of Stirling announcing the Scarborough Beach pool would open ahead of schedule.
The $26 million pool is expected to open on January 22, eight weeks earlier than previously stated.
Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said the City took on board feedback from the community that it wanted the pool to open in summer.
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READ NOW“There was a roundtable discussion about what are the real reasons we can’t open,” he said.
Cr Irwin said the project had met every target on time.
“Everything has gone to plan,” he said.
“I am excited and proud. It feels like Scarborough is open for business.”
The next test will be how the redeveloped area handles the influx of visitors and Cr Irwin said a working group was needed to address transport and parking.
“We want to see access and egress of the area and explore how to maximise it,” he said.
“People are going to have to get better at using public transport and other solutions.”
He said he was keen to see light rail service the area but it would need to follow the Stephenson Avenue extension from Innaloo to the Mitchell Freeway, which the City was seeking Federal funding for.
The 2.5 million litre saltwater pool comprises a 50m heated outdoor area and smaller learn to swim section.
Eastern states dessert and cafe franchise Cocolat will fill the ground floor level of the facility’s commercial area and is scheduled to open at the same time.