Legal action is now a part of Sydney Olympic Pool’s redevelopment history.
On the 22nd of July, North Sydney moved to commence legal proceedings against Brewster Hjorth Architects (BHA) for design services in relation to the Pool’s redevelopment.
With this resolution, CEO Therese Cole was authorised to notify Sparke Helmore, Council’s legal representative, to go forth with a case against BHA.
Legal advice outlined to Council in a report, its contents and consideration, were discussed in closed chambers away from the public in keeping with the Local Government Act, to not breach privilege and hinder Council’s ability to manage legal matters.
The motion was carried almost unanimously.
Speaking against litigation was Councillor Jilly Gibson.
‘I’ve lost confidence in this council led by Mayor Baker to open this Pool,’ says Cr Gibson in the July meeting. ‘I think it is almost at a stage where [the project] should be referred off to the Minister for Local Government.’
Cr Gibson notes that the public are constantly inquiring as to when Sydney Olympic Pool will be open, and that for the project completion, there needs to be “good will” from all parties involved.
‘I don’t think legal action is going to help here. How will this help? I’m sure this will delay the project further,’ continues Cr Gibson. ‘Residents want the pool open; they don’t want to play any political games and throw any more money at lawyers or barristers. Our expenditure on legal matters is soaring since the last council, and that is an absolute fact.’
Councillor William Bourke disagreed. ‘We are getting the best possible advice on this issue,’ says Cr Bourke following Cr Gibson speaking her piece. ‘It is totally unrelated to the date of the pool opening.’
As a refresher, redevelopment began in March 2021 for a completion in summer 2022, moved to summer 2023, pushed to “mid-2024” (gone and went), and is now slated for early 2025.
Delays are part and parcel of this $90 million project.
Fumbling management of finances and making ineffective decisions have caused significant risk to the project, as outlined in an Independent Report by consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers.
‘[Legal action] is a diversionary tactic,’ says Cr Gibson. ‘This gives the impression that this council think we have made no bad decisions, that we have handled this project perfectly, it’s all someone else’s fault. That’s not true.’
The Post reached out to North Sydney Council for clarification of when litigation would begin, and why legal proceedings were considered with Local Government Elections only weeks away. As the matter is ongoing, North Sydney Council declined to comment.