North Sydney Pool Reopens August 7 After $122M Renovation

Five years after being closed for renovations and a cost blowout of more than $120 million, North Sydney's iconic harbourside pool has been given an opening date.

North Sydney's mayor told 702 ABC Sydney the Olympic-sized swimming pool will open on Friday, August 7, marking the end of a closure that began on February 28, 2021.

"The 50-metre pool is now, you know, no more concrete cancer, and the same for the grandstand," Zoë Baker said.

Cr Baker initially voted against the renovation before she became mayor, believing it could have been done as a more modest project.

"I think I've always thought that it didn't need the scale of $120 million," Cr Baker said.

"Now that it's here for everyone using it, I think the last thing on their minds will be the financial repair the council's doing in the wake of it."

North Sydney Council was formally handed the keys to the pool by developer Icon on May 22, marking the final practical completion of the pool's construction.

Casual visits will cost $11, while passes for multiple entries and gym memberships at $37 a week will also be available, the mayor said.

Cr Baker said they would be running guided tours of the facility for the community in the meantime.

The pool was started as a $28 million project but quickly grew to $58 million, before ending up with the $122 million price tag.

Since the cost overruns, North Sydney Council has explored options to balance its budget, including deferring millions in capital works and curtailing works on community centres.

Council will also soon vote on a plan to charge for commercial activity and social gatherings of more than 21 people in more than 20 parks and reserves, many of which have views of Sydney Harbour.

Last year, the council attempted to lift rates by 87 per cent over two years, but was knocked back by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.