Updates
About the project
Beverley Whitfield Oceal Pool in Shellharbour has been a cherished part of the community since 1894. Originally known as the Ocean Baths, it was renamed in 1994 to honour local Olympic swimmer Beverley Whitfield. The pool welcomes around 170,000 visits each year from residents, swimming club members, local students and visitors.
A new permanent ramp will make the pool safer and easier for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. Following community feedback, the ramp has been relocated to the outside of the pool on the western side, preserving all swimming lanes.
Construction is scheduled to start in early September 2025 and is expected to take about 14 weeks. During this time, both the Olympic and toddler pools will be closed.
Design
- New permanent ramp and staircase on the western side of the pool.
- Resurfacing and levelling portions of the pool deck and concourse.
- Upgrading stormwater drainage.
These improvements will retain all swim lanes while providing safer, easier access for all users
FAQs
Construction FAQs
The pool will temporarily close while we build a new permanent ramp and staircase to make access safer and easier for all users.
Works are scheduled to start on Monday 8 September and will take approximately 12–14 weeks, depending on weather and ocean conditions. The pool is expected to reopen in mid to late December 2025, in time for the school and summer holidays.
Spring was chosen because:
- It aligns with the pool’s annual maintenance period, reducing disruption to swimmers
- The milder weather and calmer seas reduce the risk of delays or damage
- It gives the best chance of delivering a durable ramp that will serve the community well into the future
There are no changes planned for the toddler pool as part of this project. It will need to close while work takes place because it sits within the construction zone, but it will reopen once the project is finished.
Yes. These facilities will remain open during construction. Some temporary closures may be required due to construction, but these will be communicated in advance.
A small work zone will be set up along Hockey Esplanade. The road will remain open, with only brief footpath closures when vehicles are crossing.
Works will be completed between the hours of:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
- Saturdays: 8:00am to 1:00pm (as required)
Free entry is available at Oak Flats Pool during the closure at the following times:
- Weekdays: 11:00am to 2:00pm
- Saturdays: 11:00am to 1:30pm
Project FAQs
Council will be building new stairs at the shallow end of the pool as part of the ramp project. The ladders at the deep end on both the reserve and ocean sides will remain unchanged.
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 project's location, there may be potential environmental impacts. A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been completed, providing advice on how to manage environmental impacts.
No. The ramp is being built outside the existing pool shell to ensure all lanes are preserved.
The project also includes surrounding pavement upgrades, stormwater improvements and crack repairs to help future-proof the facility.
Not for this project. However, Council is seeking designs on a proposed future project to upgrade this area.
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.
