Major milestone in Dawn Fraser Baths refurbishment
Thursday, 12 September 2019
The long-awaited heritage restoration works of Dawn Fraser Baths commenced today.
The contractor, Belmadar, took possession of the site today, Thursday, 12 September, ahead of schedule.
Site preparations include locating and geotechnical sampling to inform the final design for construction. These works require dismantling of boardwalks and pathways.
Fencing and establishment of works accommodation will commence over the next few weeks.
Last year, Council adopted the Dawn Fraser Pool Master Plan, which demonstrated that if priority works were not undertaken immediately the Pool was likely to become unsafe for public and sporting use in the near future.
The heritage restoration of this Baths includes:
• Replacing the pavilion including the decking
• Upgrading the lighting to improve capacity for training and competitions at night and make sure UTS Balmain Tigers Water Polo Club can remain in their home pool
• Raising the Baths floor level to mitigate sea level rise and future-proof the facility
• Improving the entry configuration and access from the harbour foreshore
• Renovating the male and female showers, toilets and change rooms
• Providing four new unisex family change rooms
• Providing a new equal access toilet, shower and change room
Council successfully obtained a $2.2 million grant from the NSW Government, which - when added to the $4.5 million already committed by Council - has enabled the urgent works to commence.
Dawn Fraser Baths, built in the 1880s, is the oldest pool and swimming club in Australia.
Works are expected to be completed well before the October 2020 swimming season.
For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath | Media and Communications Coordinator P: +61 2 9392 5334 | E: Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au