New grandstand to give spectators plenty to cheer about

The 60-year-old grandstand at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is set to be replaced as part of City of Newcastle’s ongoing investment in the much-loved community facility.

With the busy school swimming carnival season just weeks away, temporary seating structures have been installed while a DA is considered for the new grandstand, allowing up to 320 spectators to cheer on competitors, ahead of plans to commence work on the permanent grandstand during the winter.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the ongoing upgrades reflected the facility's important role as Newcastle's aquatic hub.

“City of Newcastle (CN) is committed to maintaining and investing in Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre to ensure the 185,000 community members, sporting clubs and visitors that enjoy the facility each year continue to enjoy quality sporting and leisure opportunities for active living and social connection," Cr Clausen said.

"With the original concrete grandstand due to be replaced once the facility closes this winter, CN has installed temporary seating facilities with shade that will accommodate school swimming carnival spectators and pool visitors seeking a place to relax.

“Detailed designs for the new grandstand are in the process of being finalised but it will remain 75-metres long featuring six tiers and capacity to seat more than 700 people with accessible seating options and viewing platforms catering to wheelchairs and prams.

“Replacing the grandstand will complement a raft of recent improvements at the facility, with CN investing close to $1 million toward projects like a new 120-metre-long waterslide, water play area upgrades, and replacing the Olympic swimming pool's diving blocks and new diving boards funded via a grant from the NSW Government.”

A Development Application has been lodged for the demolition of the existing grandstand and construction of a new concrete grandstand, with tenders for both expected to open in Autumn 2023.

A scheduled program of maintenance continues at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre including safety upgrades, painting, and changeroom improvements, while design has started for a more efficient heating system.