Redcliffe War Memorial Pool opening delayed

Redcliffe Memorial Pool will remain closed until January after the need for more extensive work delayed the project.

Three pools at the complex closed earlier in the year as a result of the COVI-19 pandemic and remained closed after Moreton Bay Regional Council approved spending more than $239,000 in June for concrete joint and tile maintenance.

Damage discovered

But when the pools were drained, workers discovered concrete in the pool shells was so wet the concrete joints would need to be more heavily fortified and tiling completely replaced.

“Those tiles would likely fall off during the process of reapplying grout and so now it would be prudent to alter the scope of works under the contract to include a complete tile replacement within the pool shells,” an officers’ report says.

“At the same time, it would also be prudent to amend the scope of works to include a more comprehensive concrete joint renewal to better prevent water saturating the concrete shells in the future.”

Showing its age

Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery says given the pool is almost 50 years old, it’s little surprise it’s “showing its age in places”.

“We started works reapplying grout to tiles and replacing cracked or damaged tiles during the COVID-19 forced closure period to try to avoid disruptions for pool users,” Mayor Flannery says.

“However the contractors have discovered that additional works are required as the concrete under the tiles was wet and now all the tiles must be replaced.”

Councillors approved a variation to the existing contract, to allow the work to be completed as soon as possible. The additional work is expected to cost almost $330,000.

Reopening a priority

“With summer approaching, my priority is to ensure works on the outdoor 50-metre pool are finished come January 2020, even if works on the indoor 18-metre pool may take a while longer,” Mayor Flannery says.

“I want to thank the community for their patience while the pool remains closed.

“I certainly hope to see the outdoor pool in use again this summer.”

Council’s seasonal pools, including the Deception Bay Pool, have reopened for the summer season.

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