In November 2022, Council decided that the site of the former Kogarah War Memorial Pool (KWMP) at Carss Park would be the preferred site of a third Aquatic Facility.
What is happening on the site now?
Since its closure in July 2019, Council was provided with advice that the KWMP site poses a high risk to the community and the environment due to ongoing unauthorised entry into the closed site and high levels of contamination.
A Development Application (DA2020/0405) for the demolition of existing pool and ancillary structures, remediation of contaminated land, earthworks and associated landscaping works was approved by the South Sydney Planning Panel on 31 May 2021. The focus of this DA was to mitigate current site risks by removing existing pool structures and remediation of the land. This will enable the development of community open space. Council resolved in November 2022 to enable the execution of this DA to begin.
The execution of this DA is a multi-contractor project. It requires careful planning to minimise the impact to the community and environment. Work will be broken down into elements which include:
- Vegetation removal.
- Demolition.
- Contamination remediation, including landscaping.
This project will take approximately 18 - 24 months to complete. Works are timed to negate prolonged impact to the local community and users of Carss Park.
Closure of Carss Park Flats Carpark
The Carss Park Flats carpark will close for up to twelve (12) months. This will assist with community safety while demolition and remediation works are occurring.
Carss Bush Park Hill will remain open where possible during the works. This is the carpark located at the end of Carwar Avenue, next to the Carss Park Life Saving Hall.
Proposed Features of the new Aquatic Facility
• A multi-use outdoor 51.5 metre, 8 lane pool. This caters for both competitive and recreational swimmers.
• A learn to swim and leisure pool.
• Toddler’s water area.
• Gym.
• Cafe and kiosk.
• Carparking.
Carss Park Aquatic Facility Key Steps and Milestones
(Indicative and subject to review and change)
| Timeline |
Project Stage |
Description |
| Complete |
Stage 1 |
Preliminary site investigations |
| Complete |
Stage 2 |
Carss Park Aquatic Facility Feasibility Study |
| Current Stage |
Stage 3 |
Preliminary Business Case development |
| Current Stage |
Stage 4 |
Review Plan of Management and Master Plan |
| |
Stage 5 |
Final Business Case (including community consultation) |
| |
Stage 6 |
Prepare detailed designs including detailed site investigations |
| |
Stage 7 |
Lodge Development Application |
| |
Stage 8 |
Tender for construction of facility |
| |
Stage 9 |
Appointment of lead construction company |
| |
Stage 10 |
Commence construction |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are we building a new aquatic facility?
In 2019, the former Kogarah War Memorial Pool (KWMP) in Carss Park closed. Council then commenced investigation into the feasibility of building a new aquatic facility.
In 2020, Council prepared the Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy 2019 – 2036. This strategy told us that our community should have access to 3 aquatic facilities, to meet the needs of our community up to 2036.
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Why did we choose Carss Park for the site of the new aquatic facility?
Council engaged Otium Planning Group to prepare the Regional Aquatic Facility Site Suitability and Feasibility Study. This study reviewed four potential locations for a new Regional Aquatic Facility.
In July 2021, Council resolved to review a comparative Technical and Environmental Assessment report for the former KWMP site in Carss Park and the Todd Park site. Council engaged Otium Planning Group Pty Ltd to undertake the detailed investigations.
Technical studies were also prepared to support the investigations including architectural concept drawings, engineering and traffic, heritage, planning and environmental effects, geotechnical and contamination, arboriculture, environmental sustainability and quantity surveying.
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How will the community be updated?
Council will utilise its regular channels of communication with influenced stakeholders and the broader community about this project.
This will include site signage, letters sent to surrounding residents and stakeholder groups, and a public notice on Council’s website.
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What else is needed before this project can proceed?
Preparation of a Business Plan
The costs of the new Carss Park Aquatic Facility means that the NSW Office of Local Government requires council to prepare a business plan. This business plan will determine whether the aquatic facility:
• Is necessary.
• Is consistent with Council’s community strategic plan, delivery program and operational plans.
• Offers value for money and Council has the capacity to deliver and maintain their current and future community services in the long term.
Before deciding to proceed with the construction of the new Carss Park Aquatics Facility we will consult with our community.
Approvals
The new Carss Park Aquatic Facility will also need Development Consent. This will involve the preparation of detailed architectural designs and other reports such as a traffic and heritage.
The future management and use of Carss Bush Park and Todd Park is covered by a Plan of Management and Master Plan adopted in 2004. These plans include the site of the former Kogarah War Memorial Pool. While a swimming pool is permitted by the Plan of Management, the Plan of Management does not include the construction of a new pool. So, the Plan of Management and the Master Plan will be reviewed and updated.
Further information
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