North Sydney's Harbourside Pool Reopens After 5 Years

After five years of waiting, North Sydney residents will finally get their beloved harbourside pool back this August.

The iconic North Sydney Olympic Pool will reopen on August 7, Mayor Zoë Baker announced this week. The 50-metre pool closed in February 2021 for what was supposed to be a modest renovation, but the project grew into a $122 million upgrade that's transformed the facility.

The wait has been long, but swimmers are getting more than just a freshly painted pool. The renovated complex now features two indoor pools, a steam room, and a sauna, all while preserving those spectacular harbor views that made the pool famous.

The facility has been completely rebuilt to eliminate structural problems like concrete cancer in the pool and grandstand. Council officially received the keys on May 22, marking the final completion of construction work by developer Icon.

Starting August 7, casual visits will cost $11, with multi-entry passes and gym memberships available at $37 per week. The council is already planning guided tours so the community can preview the new facilities before opening day.

The Bright Side

Yes, the price tag shocked everyone. The project started at $28 million, jumped to $58 million, and ultimately reached $122 million. Even Mayor Baker, who initially voted against the expensive renovation, admits she wished it could have been done more modestly.

But here's what matters now: North Sydney is getting back a community treasure that will serve generations. The pool isn't just a place to swim. It's where kids learn their first strokes, where sunrise swimmers start their mornings, and where neighbors gather with one of Sydney's most beautiful backdrops.

The council faced tough choices along the way, deferring other projects and exploring new revenue options to balance the budget. Those decisions protected this renovation from being scaled back or abandoned halfway through.

Now the hard part is over, and the good part begins: thousands of swimmers returning to the water they've missed for five years.