The Long Street Swimming Pool will remain temporarily closed to the public due to ongoing maintenance.
The 116-year-old building has been closed since February and was expected to reopen last month (March).
No new date has been given for the reopening.
The refurbishments included the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and replacement of the rooftop among others.
Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community service and health, said due to the age and sensitive heritage features contained within the facility, the upgrade identified further work to be completed.
“These interventions could not reasonably have been foreseen as the elements requiring attention were hidden behind existing finishes. The refurbishment of the facility began with the removal and replacement of existing roof sheeting, which enabled a watertight roof covering, improved heat resistance, and protection of existing finishes.”
She explained that external work also involves replacing gutters and downpipes.
Internally, ongoing refurbishments are focused on:
- The main entrance
- Ticket office
- Foyer
- Male and female ablutions
- Swimming pool area.
“This includes replacing ceilings and implementing mechanical upgrades within the plenum. Floor covering replacement is limited to the ticket office, staircase, and first-floor passage.”
According to Van der Ross, improvements to wall finishes, including crack repair, plastering, painting, and tiling are also underway.
“In addition, refurbishment efforts encompass timber doors, timber windows and joinery, along with upgrades to the male and female ablutions to better meet the needs of facility users. Electrical upgrades to the main foyer lighting are being implemented to enhance luminance as well as energy efficiency.”
She explained that the total cost of the project has not been determined yet, as “possible contingencies” may necessitate additional work to be completed.
Meanwhile, patrons are advised that the Trafalgar Swimming Pool will remain open from 07:00 to 17:00 on Monday to Thursday and 10:00 to 17:00 from Friday to Sunday..
“Although corrective measures have been implemented to address the cause of the delay, the anticipated reopening of the pool will now be postponed,” concluded Van der Ross.
