The indoor pools at the Fremantle Leisure Centre are about to get a new roof.
After more than 25 years of exposure to the elements, the lightweight polycarbonate sheeting that covers the 25 metre lap pool and the family leisure pool has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
Last night Fremantle Council's Finance, Policy, Operations and Legislation Committee voted to accept a tender from O'Connor-based company Safeway Building & Renovations to undertake the work.
Fremantle Deputy Mayor Andrew Sullivan said the $950,000 project was expected to get underway next month and be completed by October.
"We've timed this project for the less busy winter months to minimise the impact on our loyal Leisure Centre patrons," Cr Sullivan said.
"The indoor pools will be closed for the duration of the project but all of the Leisure Centre's other facilities will remain open, including the outdoor 50 metre pool which is heated to a comfortable 26-28 degrees.
"As well as replacing the polycarbonate sheeting on the roof and walls, we'll also take the opportunity to check over and repaint the existing steel structure, install a new roof access system, upgrade electrical services and equipment and install some new café blinds.
"The new roof will create a cooler indoor environment and offer much better UV protection than the existing sheeting, so it will be a lot more comfortable for our patrons.
"It's great that we've been able to engage a local company to do all of this work, and that our indoor pools will have a fresh new look and feel in time for summer."
The FPOL committee voted to accept the tender for the Fremantle Leisure Centre pool roof replacement and authorised the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate the final elements of the scope of works.
To cater for increased demand while the indoor pools are closed, the weekend operating hours of the outdoor pool will be extended to 6am-6pm.
Leisure Centre members will be able to suspend their memberships during the construction period. Swim programs that use the indoor pools will also be suspended until term 4.
The Fremantle Leisure Centre has four heated pools - an eight-lane 50 metre outdoor pool, an undercover 25 metre pool, playground pool and a program pool for therapy and rehabilitation.
It also has a fully equipped fitness centre supervised by qualified gym staff, and offers a range of group fitness classes including yoga, pilates, zumba and circuits.
Full membership at the leisure centre includes unlimited access to the pools and fitness centre, entry to group fitness classes, a fitness appraisal and exercise program designed by qualified professionals, use of the creche, free parking and a 20 per cent discount in the sports shop.
