A review of the pool’s conditions was completed in July 2012 and concluded that the pool would need its shell replaced or there was a risk the centre would close.
Mayor Simon Withers said the original project involved refurbishing the pool and nearby vegetation but the scope of the project soon increased.
‘It was shown a new pool was only marginally more expensive (than repairing it) and increasing it from an eight-lane pool to a 10-lane pool was only marginally more expensive again,’ Mr Withers said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘We’ve gone from a repair to a rebuild.’
Construction is expected to begin in September or October, finishing about November 2015.
Renovations will include $3.4 million for the re-shelling and added lanes to the pool, $3 million for a learn-to-swim leisure pool, $1 million for renovations to the carparks, and $2.7 million for the main building and its facilities.
Bold Park Masters Swimming Club has been based at the centre for 10 years and while strongly in favour of the renovations, will be forced to look for a temporary venue in the intervening year.
‘Many of the pools in the area are quite full,’ president Grayam Sandover said.
‘If we have to change our times a bit, we’ll have to cop that.’