Updates
The community gave feedback on a proposed access upgrade at Beverley Whitfield Pool.
About the project
Beverley Whitfield Oceal Pool located in Shellharbour has been a cherished part of the community since 1894. Originally known as the ocean baths, it became the Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool in 1994 after enhancements by Council. The pool has a rich history and is a hub for swimming club members, local students, residents, and visitors.
In response to community feedback and to make the pool more accessible, this project proposes that an accessibility ramp is built. We heard your feedback on this upgrade and the proposed design which aims to enhance accessibility while keeping the pool's historical importance.
At it's meeting 17 December 2024 The Council voted to allocate a further $400,000 for the construction of the ramp to be included in the draft 2025-26 Operational Plan.
The ramp is set to be added to the western side of the pool and offer greater access to the wider community. Detailed designs are currently under review and will updated here once complete.
FAQs
FAQs
Responding to community requests and in line with our long-term vision to be an accessible and inclusive City, we are looking to install an accessible ramp.
The updated entrance will provide a safer and more respectful way for everyone in the community to enter and exit the pool.
If complete this will be the first pool within Shellharbour Council to have this access inclusion.
Council aims to keep the current stairs at the shallow end of the pool if we can meet the necessary ramp design standards. Additionally, there are ladders providing access to the deep end on both the reserve and ocean sides, and these will remain unchanged.
Yes, with the requirement for the ramp to fit within the pool's current structure, there will be a reduction in the number of swimming lanes.
If the accessible ramp was positioned at the shallow end and sloped toward the middle and deeper section of the pool, an entire lane would be lost.
In the proposed design of placing the ramp in the middle of the pool and sloping it toward the shallow end, we would only lose half a lane, preserving the other half of the lane for lap swimming.
Established in 1894, Shellharbour's ocean baths have grown to become a cherished and vital community asset. Renamed the Beverley Whitfield Pool in 1994 following enhancements by the Shellharbour Council, this facility boasts a rich history. Acknowledging its cultural and historical importance, the pool has been designated as Heritage Item (I126) under the Shellharbour Local Environmental Plan 2013, with a portion falling within the Conservation Management Area (C295). Over the years, Council has conscientiously maintained and preserved this iconic site, understanding its significance to the community.
Due to the location of the project, there may be environmental impacts. A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) will be completed to provide advice on how to manage the environmental impacts. Once complete the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for Beverley Whitfield pool will be publicly available on Let’s Chat.
Works will begin once all necessary approvals have been obtained and funding secured.
There is no current date for construction.
Past feedback
Proposed Concept Designs
The proposed concept design includes the construction of an accessible concrete ramp within the existing pool area. Several alternative designs were evaluated but eliminated during the Heritage Assessment process.
We considered several options, including:
- Preferred Option: Adding a concrete ramp within the pool's current area. (see image below)
- Not Recommended: Using a stainless steel ramp within the pool's current area as it may create spaces where individuals could become trapped underneath. Concrete is preferred over stainless steel as it complements the natural rock and has less impact on the site's heritage.
- Not Recommended: Putting a concrete ramp outside the current pool space. This would change the pool's original shape by cutting into the walls and edges.
