Pool tiles left damaged following a senseless vandalism attack at Burdell's Northern Beaches Leisure Centre will be repaired by Townsville City Council, with works starting next week.
The tiles were cracked last year when vandals broke into the centre and tipped chairs with concrete legs into the pool.
Works to replace the damaged tiles to improve safety for swimmers will start on Monday and will continue for three weeks.
While the pool is drained, Council will also replace expansion joints in the pool.
Divisional councillor Brodie Phillips said it was disappointing to have to close a popular spot for families to rectify senseless damage.
"It was incredibly frustrating to hear that there was a break-in at the leisure centre that has resulted in damage to the 50m pool," Cr Phillips said.
"This pool was only reopened in 2023 after a $5 million refurbishment to the complex, so it's disappointing to see members of the public disrespecting this incredible community resource.
"But with the weather cooling down, this is the right time to get in and get these important works done to bring the pool back up to scratch for all of our swimmers.
"The good news is that the expansion joints in the pool need to be redone periodically, so we're taking this opportunity to get them done while the pool is drained.
"With this all done in one hit, hopefully it's at least another five years before we have to drain the pool again."
Mayor Nick Dametto said Council was working closely with Northern Beaches Leisure Centre lessees City Venue Management to reduce disruptions to the public.
"The Northern Beaches Leisure Centre is a great community facility, and we're doing what we can to make sure families can still make the most of the remaining pools and recreation areas," Cr Dametto said.
"The heated programs pool, the beach pool and the water slides will stay open as often as possible, as well as the barbecue areas, the kiosk and change rooms.
"We're hoping to get this work completed within three weeks, weather permitting.
"Thank you to everyone involved for your patience while Council has these important works done."
The Northern Beaches Leisure Centre's original modular steel-framed pool was replaced with a new concrete pool and tile finish in 2023, bringing the pool up to competition standard.
The pool will be closed from Monday 1 June, for three weeks. Some noise and construction activity can be expected during work hours.
For the duration of the works, Northern Beaches Leisure Centre will be open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 8am to 6pm Thursday and Friday, 7am to 4pm Saturday and 8am to 4pm Sunday.
Visit our Northern Beaches Leisure Centre to find out more.
