Bangalow’s indoor pool a step closer | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

It has been 12 years in the making, but Bangalow is a step closer to getting in the swim following the completion of a business and management plan for a proposed 25-metre heated indoor pool complex.

With $250,000 in the kitty thanks to ongoing community fundraising and in-kind pledges valued at $200,000 from local tradespeople and suppliers, the Bangalow Pool Trust is hoping the shortfall in the estimated $1.5m to $1.7m cost of the complex will come from Byron Council and State and Federal government grants.

Pool trust vice-president, Michael Malloy, said that once there was an indication the cost of the project would be covered, the trust would move to the detailed design and development application stage.

Mr Malloy said the centre, which would include a gym, would be a unique facility for the Northern Rivers and the Byron Shire.

He said through initiatives such as harvesting rain water and the use of solar power, it would be a model in low environmental impact design.

To be built on council-owned land near the tennis courts at the town’s sports fields, the trust, said Mr Malloy, would like to see the centre become a learn-to-swim centre of excellence.

Once built, it would be open throughout the year and with children in mind would have a beach-style entrance to the pool.

There also would be a picnic and barbecue area at the centre, he said.