Scarborough gets pool while awaiting plan

The City of Stirling has announced its intention to build a $26 million pool at Scarborough Beach, amid the final planning stages of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority’s revitalisation of the area.

The 50-metre heated swimming pool, to be located south of the amphitheatre and the current surf club, is expected to be ready for use by late 2017, with construction commencing in late 2015.

The City of Stirling will apply for funding from the state and federal governments to contribute towards the project.

It will feature eight lanes, a connected swimming lesson area, spectator seating, change rooms, a café, extensive shade and passive family spaces.

City of Stirling Mayor Giovanni Italiano said the local community of Stirling had lobbied for a coastal pool for a number of years.

He said with the addition of the pool, Scarborough would become “the Bondi of the west as a tourist destination”.

“The city has worked very hard on making Scarborough an active family friendly hub of activity and the new beach pool will be the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the precinct,” Mr Italiano said.

Planning of the $57.4 million Scarborough redevelopment was handed over to the MRA from the City of Stirling in July. 

The MRA was due to release a draft master plan for public comment in the months following the transfer of planning control, and the final master plan by the end of the year.

To date, the draft has not been released for public comment; however a spokesperson from the MRA confirmed both the draft and final master plans are still expected to be released by the end of the year.

Last week, the MRA rejected a proposal for a rooftop beach club and outdoor cinema at the vacant car park at 1 Manning Street on the grounds of ‘noise compliance’, despite the venue’s compliance with the environmental noise regulations for the area.

The MRA requested a revised application with a fewer number of patrons, to provide a greater ‘margin of error’ for patron noise.

Local group ISpy Perth submitted the proposal for the Sunset Boulevard Beach Club to the MRA, after it received 94.5 per cent vote in favour of the venue from a community consultation.

Located in the same block as the proposed beach club is Scarborough Beach Bar, which is due to open to patrons this week.

The restaurant and bar is located on Manning Street in the premises left vacant by Jimmy Dean's Diner.