North Sydney Olympic Pool shuts week after $122m overhaul revealed

North Sydney Olympic Pool has closed to the public less than a week after reopening following a $122 million renovation, citing a power supply problem affecting the indoor pool. The facility, located in Milsons Point, was forced to evacuate swimmers and close entirely late on Thursday afternoon for safety reasons. A council spokeswoman confirmed the shutdown was temporary, though no timeframe for reopening was given. Contractors and technical experts worked through the night attempting to resolve the issue, according to the North Sydney Council. The pool had officially reopened to the public on August 5, drawing more than 10,000 visitors during its opening weekend. This marked the end of a five-year redevelopment project that faced numerous challenges, including rising costs, changes in scope, legal disputes, and delays. Originally scheduled to open in November 2022, the project eventually took nearly four years to complete, far exceeding the initial budget of $58 million. Residents of North Sydney have been required to accept a 52 percent increase in property rates over three years to help finance the project. Mayor Zoe Baker acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the recent closure but emphasized that the decision to open the pool in winter was strategic. She stated that the early opening allowed the council to address potential issues before the peak summer season, ensuring the facility would be fully operational when demand increased. The newly renovated complex offers a range of facilities beyond swimming. These include a 50-meter heated outdoor pool, a 25-meter indoor pool, a program pool, a 970-seat grandstand, a children's splash pad, and a water play area. Additional amenities feature a reformer Pilates studio, a swim school, a creche, a spa, a sauna, a steam room, and a café named Ripples offering gelato. Underfloor heating and a swimsuit dryer are available in the change rooms, while decorative elements such as brass frog motifs inlayed into the tiles around the outdoor pool add a unique touch. These motifs were inspired by frogs depicted in the eastern wall and cost $42,000 to implement. The outdoor pool uses treated saltwater sourced from Sydney Harbour. Construction of the facility was carried out by developer Icon, which completed the project and transferred management of the site to the council in May 2026. The pool had been closed since February 2021 for redevelopment, with work beginning in March of that year. The delay in completion led to significant financial strain on the local government, prompting the rate increases to support the council’s finances, debt repayment, and future maintenance of the complex. The closure has raised concerns among locals who had eagerly anticipated the pool’s return. Many had expressed hope that the facility would provide a modern, well-equipped space for both recreational and competitive swimming. The incident underscores the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly when they involve public funding and high expectations from the community. The council has assured the public that efforts are underway to restore the pool to full operation as soon as possible. Technical teams continue their assessment and repairs, aiming to minimize further disruptions. While the exact cause of the power supply issue has not been disclosed, officials remain committed to resolving the problem swiftly and ensuring the facility meets all safety standards before reopening. The situation highlights the delicate balance between ambitious redevelopment goals and the practical realities of managing such large-scale projects. As the community awaits updates, the focus remains on restoring access to the pool and addressing the underlying issues that led to this unexpected setback.