If you like the idea of being able to access a year-round indoor pool, here’s how you can have your say in what this facility could look like.

Locals are being invited to help shape the delivery of Newcastle's first indoor public pool as City of Newcastle moves forward with plans for a year-round aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre.  

City of Newcastle has launched its consultation with an in-person workshop at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre, to be held on Thursday August 29, 2024 from 11am to 4pm.

The workshop will give community members a chance to provide feedback on the proposed year-round swimming centre, ensuring a facility can be delivered that locals are proud of. 

With swimming and aquatic recreation being such a significant part of a Novocastrian’s way of life, City of Newcastle encourages locals to use this opportunity to provide their input.  

An "ideas wall" will be set up at Lambton Pool until Sunday October 20, with pool users encouraged to share their views during their next visit. Community members can also have their say, online via City of  Newcastle's website which is also open until Sunday October 20. 

Creating a year-round facility at Lambton forms part of City of Newcastle's Inland Pools Strategy 2043, which sets out an investment plan to ensure Newcastle's network of public swimming pools are fit for purpose in the long term. As outlined in the Inland Pools Strategy 2043, the continuing population growth within the  Newcastle LGA will increase the demand for sport and recreation facilities generally, including aquatic facilities. 

How can you help shape the year-round facility for Lambton Pool? 

• Reading the frequently asked questions available on City of Newcastle HYS page
• Drop into the workshop at Lambton Pool (102 Durham Rd, Lambton) on Thursday August 29, 2024 anytime between 11am - 4pm and;
  - Speaking to City of Newcastle’s team and
  - Providing your feedback
• Sharing your ideas via the online ideas wall and seeing what others have suggested
• Writing on the ideas wall at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre. 

There are certain items the community can influence such as the look, feel and inclusions for the year-round facility, however items such as location, classification of Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre and the requirement for the facility to have learn to swim capability cannot be influenced by the community. 

A year-round learn to swim facility at Lambton Pool will ensure the learn-to swim program will be enhanced and there is a continued improvement in water safety across the region. 

In the past, the best outcomes are generated when City of Newcastle and the community work together so get involved and help build an indoor pool facility the city can be proud of. 

Consultation closes Sunday October 20, 2024.