AusLeisure

Fremantle Leisure Centre was last week damaged by storms and high winds which has prompted a fast-tracking of planned repairs and upgrades.

The City of Fremantle has announced the temporary closure of the much-loved Shuffrey Street centre, which has just turned 50, and has brought forward works that will take place over the next five weeks.

The centre is expected to reopen at the end of November.

Contractor Melchor has been appointed to undertake the works which include removing roofing materials on the pavilion covering the 25-metre indoor pools.

Leisure Centre Manager John East apologised to members and the broader community for the inconvenience but said it was vital the repairs were carried out as soon as possible.

East advised “we’re letting our members know that we will be doing everything we can to minimise the impact and get them back into the gym and the pools as soon we can and that all payments will be suspended during the closure.

“We’ll continue to keep our members and the community informed while the repair works and other upgrades are done and are making plans to welcome them back to a safer and improved Leisure Centre.”

The first stage of the works, beginning on 1st November, involve removing the lightweight polycarbonate sheeting that covers the 25 metre lap pool and family leisure pool.

The storm damage has caused small shards from the roof to be blown onto the grounds of the centre, and into the outdoor pool. Although the shards are not considered dangerous, the threat of further storm damage meant the roof may continue to deteriorate.

East explained “we just want to make sure there is no risk to public safety so we thought given the works were about to be undertaken soon anyway, better to shut the centre now so we can start preparing immediately.”

Due to the sheer size of the roof structure and safety measures that need to be in place, the roof replacement project will be delivered in two stages.

Stage two of the roof replacement project is planned for April–May 2022. The contractors will also take the opportunity to check over and repaint the existing steel structure, install a new roof access system, upgrade electrical services and equipment and install some new café blinds.

East added “once finished, the new roof will create a cooler indoor environment and offer much better UV protection than the existing sheeting, so it will be a lot more comfortable for our patrons.”

Other upgrades as part of the works include replacing the light towers and increasing brightness over the 50 metre pool and erecting new shade structures.

East advised the centre was making every effort to organise alternative arrangements for swim programs where possible.

For further updates and information, visit fremantle.wa.gov.au/flc

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