Shellharbour's Beverley Whitfield Pool is set for an upgrade with Council approving the proposal of an accessible ramp to the facility.
The Council also voted to allocate a further $400,000 for the construction of the ramp to be included in the draft 2025-26 Operational Plan.
The accessible ramp would be added to the western side of the pool and offer greater access to the wider community.
"This is a great win for the community, with more residents and visitors able to access and enjoy this great pool," Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh said.
"It highlights a crucial social commitment by Shellharbour City Council to enhance the pool facility and improve accessibility and equity for older people and people with disabilities."
Caption: The Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
Feedback from the community feedback helped guide the proposed accessibility upgrade.
"This is what the people want, we consulted with the community on the design and function of the approved ramp option in regard to minimising the impact to the existing swimming area," Deputy Mayor Marsh said.
The final ramp design will be completed in early 2026, with construction planned to begin during winter 2025. Timing of construction will also be coordinated with the annual pool maintenance shutdown.
The NSW Government's Crown Reserve Improvement Fund has funded $190,000 towards the construction of the ramp.
The historic 50-metre, seven-lane pool has undergone minor changes since its original construction in 1894-1895 and attracts more than170,000 visitors annually.
