Green light for Green Square pool?

The proposal to have a swimming pool at Green Square is an issue that Kristina Keneally, MP for Heffron, feels strongly about. “South of Cleveland Street there are no swimming pools, no active community facilities and no indoor sports facilities.” She goes on to add, “Residents that live north of Cleveland Street enjoy access to 5 swimming pools and a number of active community facilities.”

Councillor Tony Poley, former Lord Mayor of South Sydney which covered the Green Square area until it merged with the City in 2004, agrees. “City of Sydney Council has yet to resolve a Development Application approval,” he says. “An independent group did an initial review of leisure facilities in the area but there is no doubt that there is a need for aquatic facilities here.” Cr Poley adds, “Considering how fast DAs can be put through, such as the recently approved Surry Hills Library, there is really no excuse for the Lord Mayor to have taken so long over this matter.”

At last week’s Finance, Properties and Tenders Committee meeting, councillors asked to be advised of details for community facilities in the Southern (Green Square) area. Council resolved to prepare a feasibility study, including public consultation for locating the proposed pool at the former South Sydney council offices site, 132-138 and 140 Joynton Avenue, Zetland.

A brief has been prepared with project outcome defined and a business plan is being developed. Recreation planning consultants SLG Group have been engaged to undertake the project. It is anticipated that the recommended Facilities Mix, draft business plan and Project Brief will be available for presentation to Council in August this year.

The consultants have already undertaken market research by phone survey and are completing consultations with local community groups and other stake holders.

The total budget projection is currently $28 million based on provision alone and may vary once Council determines the mix of facilities and the timing and phasing of construction.

A spokesperson for Lord Mayor Clover Moore said, “The intention is all there. It has all been planned. It is just a question of how long it is going to take.”

Source: South Sydney Herald June 2007 www.southsydneyherald.com.au/