Currently walking into the CentrePoint Sports and Leisure Centre is like stepping from the Antarctic into the tropics.
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With no air heater since the breakdown of the mechanical air handling system in November of 2017, the centre has been able to function thanks to the extraordinarily mild conditions.
With the onset of the much colder weather now upon us, the condensation within the pool area of the building has increased noticeably.
Blayney Shire Council has been progressing through the process of sourcing a replacement and although work is expected to begin in July, the exact date when the pool door will be closed is yet to be confirmed.
“Council has investigated the most appropriate and efficient solution exploring various ways to improve the pool environment. The best practice is to replace the old heating system with a new air conditioning unit and ducting system to meet Australian Standards,” general manager Rebecca Ryan said.
“To ensure a safe environment for all customers and contractors during the upgrade, this requires the pool to be closed temporarily during winter. After careful consideration, a time has been chosen for the least amount of disruption to customers.”
For regular users of the pool, such as the Blayney Dolphins Swimming Club, their 70 members have resigned themselves to the fact that they will have to miss out on a month or so of swim time, said President Vanessa Knox.
“It is unfortunate that it’s closing, but we are actually really lucky here in Blayney that we have a centre like it, because even in towns like Forbes, during winter they have to close up their swimming club every year,” she said.
“We won’t be travelling as a group to Orange or elsewhere for practice.”
For those that have purchased season swimming tickets, Mrs Ryan said that no one will be financially disadvantaged during the upgrade.
“Customers who have paid for their membership upfront that allows pool usage will have their membership extended for the time the pool is closed and unavailable.
“Customers who pay their membership including pool usage on a monthly basis by Direct Debit will continue to pay their fee but have their membership extended for the time the pool is closed and unavailable.
“Payments for Learn to Swim and Squad classes will made on a pro-rata basis for the number of weeks available in term 3.”
The closure only affects the pool area. The rest of the complex will be open.