The reopening of North Sydney Olympic Pool after a chaotic five-year renovation opens the way for a nuanced conversation about what’s special enough to keep, what we should adapt and what we must sacrifice.

Swimmers ready to hit the water can decide whether the five-year development debacle was worth the wait – and the ballooning price tag – from Friday.

North Sydney Olympic Pool is officially open after 1986 days and after a fraught $122 million rebuild.