OpinionCindy YinUrban affairs reporterAugust 7, 2026 — 3:30pmAugust 7, 2026 — 3:30pmI’ve got a pretty bad track record with pools. Most of my experiences have been defined more by waiting for them to reopen than actually swimming.My local Canterbury Pool, built on the banks of the Cooks River in 1959, closed for demolition in early 2023. And North Sydney Olympic Pool, host of six years of my high school’s swimming carnivals and post-maths-lesson afternoon dips, shut for redevelopment in February 2021.Few in Sydney would be unfamiliar with the notorious redevelopment of the North Sydney Pool, plagued by cascading cost blowouts, scope creep and delays. It was originally forecast to reopen in November 2022, at a cost of $58 million.The troubled project has attracted so much attention that it has become shorthand to describe other bungled projects; a nearby council’s rollout of its sporting oval was called a “North Sydney pool-type mess”.Naturally, one question was top of mind as I walked through the turnstiles for the first time in five years: Was the $122 million price tag and the 1986-day wait worth it?The pool will reopen to the public after a five-year wait on Friday, with free entry for the opening weekend.Wolter PeetersThe idea of jumping into a pool in the middle of winter, even a shiny new one, did not excite me in the slightest. I was quickly proven wrong: the 50-metre outdoor pool was heated to a pleasant 28 degrees, a game-changer for swimmers in colder months.There was also genuine thought put into the change room redesign – they’re spacious, have heated floors for the cold-averse, swimsuit dryers, and fancy Dyson hairdryers. Apart from slightly confusing signs outside (make sure you walk into the right bathroom!) it is clear no expense has been spared.The complex includes a 25-metre indoor pool, a program pool, a new 970-seat grandstand, and a children’s splash pad and water play area. Importantly, all the pools have accessible ramps for wheelchairs.An upgrade to the 1936 swimming complex was long overdue; even as a high school student, I remember sitting on the crumbling concrete grandstands thinking they were well past their use-by date.But the difference in appearance between the heritage-protected sundeck, carefully restored art deco harbourside wall, and eastern stair tower against the glossy new building was jarring, highlighting how not every part of the old facilities was seamlessly integrated with the new space.The decorations on the harbourside wall have been repainted cream, reverting to the original 1930s colour scheme.Sam MooyThe entry prices are comparable to other pools across Sydney – casual entry is $11 per adult, $8.80 for children, and $8.25 for concession-holders.But let’s make it abundantly clear how this project was funded: North Sydney residents face a 52 per cent jump in rates over three years, the highest of any council in Sydney.As a government audit revealed less than one-quarter of NSW council projects were delivered on time and within budget, the pool renovation has sparked debate about whether local councils should embark on ambitious infrastructure projects, and whether state governments should step in to offer a hand.The old pool in 2019, before it closed for the upgrade in 2021.James AlcockDoes all council infrastructure have to be this grandiose if it means Sydneysiders must wait five-and-a-half years for their local pool to reopen? The additions of a pilates studio, creche, spa, sauna, steam room, gelato bar (and who can forget the $42,000 bronze frogs) are certainly welcome but extra garnish on what was already a great pool.What made North Sydney pool so charming – the 50-metre saltwater pool, its proximity to public transport, and the stunning views of the Harbour Bridge – has never changed.What my own track record with local pools closing has taught me is large-scale upgrades mean less to the community if gates stay locked for five years.As other councils embark on their own pool renovations across Sydney, I hope they remember what actually matters to most people: welcoming, accessible places to swim, built on time and on budget.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.From our partners