Divers flip out for Lambton pool's latest upgrade

New diving boards funded via a grant from the NSW Government are the latest upgrade at Lambton Swimming Centre, with recent investment at the swim centre by City of Newcastle nearing $1 million. 

The new diving boards add to a raft of recent improvements at the pool, with more than $800,000 going towards projects like replacing the 120-metre-long waterslide, upgrading the water play area, and replacing the Olympic swimming pool's diving blocks. 

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

"As we come into summer the crowds are building at Lambton Swimming Centre, with people coming to cool off, relax with their families, exercise or play sport," Cr Clausen said. 

"Lambton Swimming Centre sees almost 185,000 visitors per year and is home to sporting clubs including Hunter United Diving Academy which uses the diving boards for their regular training and competitions. 

"City of Newcastle works closely with organisations across the city like Hunter United Diving Academy to upgrade facilities to cater for our growing sporting community, with Lambton's new diving boards the latest example of this positive collaboration. 

"We're committed to maintaining and investing in Lambton Swimming Centre to ensure our community has continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities for active living and social connection." 

More than $800,000 has been invested in Lambton Swimming Centre despite the impact of the pandemic on our public pools, with the popular facility used for everything from learn to swim programs to elite-level water polo. 

Cr Clausen said the next upgrade to Lambton pool was the installation of temporary seating facilities to support the upcoming busy swimming carnival season while planning is underway to replace the permanent grandstand at a cost expected to exceed $1 million. 

"With Lambton's 60-year-old grandstand set for a full replacement once the pool closes for winter City of Newcastle is installing eight temporary seating facilities that will accommodate 320 people so students and families can cheer on swimmers at the upcoming swimming carnivals. The temporary facilities will also cater for pool visitors seeking a place to relax." 

Development approval for the temporary seating was granted on Friday, with installation to commence next month. 

The replacement of Lambton Swimming Centre's permanent grandstand is expected to commence when the pool closes for winter in 2023. 

Other recent onsite improvements include safety upgrades, increased shade, painting, and new lane ropes, while design has started for a more efficient heating system.