Balmain's Dawn Fraser Baths Is Finally Getting Some Much-Needed Upgrades
Australia's oldest pool is getting a facelift in time for summer.
Constructed in the 1880s and renamed after local Olympian Dawn Fraser in the 60s, Balmain's Dawn Fraser Baths is the oldest pool in Australia. And, at the moment, it certainly looks like it.
Thankfully, after much campaigning and rallying, the outdoor pool is getting the upgrades it urgently needs — and they'll be completed by the time summer rolls round.
Late last year, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne revealed that the Council needed an extra $2.2 million for the pool's upgrades and without it the renovations could not go ahead and the pool could close in the "immediate future".
But, last night, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne announced that the Council had received a $2.2 million grant from the NSW Government which, together with $4.5 million funding from Council, was enough to proceed with the urgent upgrades. "DAWNY IS SAVED," Mr Byrne said in a Facebook post.
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The restoration works, set to be completed in time for summer, will include replacing the pavilion and its decking; upgrading the lighting (to allow for more nighttime training and competitions); raising the baths' boardwalks and floor level to mitigate the effect of rising sea levels; improvements to the entry; renovating the showers, toilets and change rooms; and the construction of four unisex change rooms and new equal-access facilities.
While the pools usually open for the season in September (and close in April), construction work is instead slated to commence that month. Mr Byrne has promised, however, that the newly upgraded pool will be open by summer 2020.
The Dawn Fraser Baths is located at Elkington Park, Balmain and is slated to open by summer 2020. To read more about the upgrades, head to the Inner West Council website.
Image: Destination NSW
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