Hundreds of swimmers will lose access to Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Kelvin Grove pool when it closes on September 1.
The closure comes at the same time as the Centenary Pool closes in Spring Hill for redevelopment, leaving fewer swimming options available across the city.
The Kelvin Grove facility will close to make way for a new high-performance gym and research centre, with construction expected to take approximately six months.
Speaking on ABC Radio Brisbane’s Mornings, QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil AO said the ageing pool was no longer financially or structurally sustainable.
“It’s a very expensive pool to maintain because it’s an old concrete pool suspended over a carpark that can’t be heated to a temperature that could make it useful for, for example, Learn to Swim programs,” Professor Sheil said.
Professor Sheil said declining student use of the pool, alongside growing demand for exercise science programs, also influenced the decision.
“The use of the pool, which we have been surveying for a number of years now, by our students is pretty small and it’s been declining,” she said.
“Around 12 per cent of the users are our [QUT] students. The remainder are the community.
“Our exercise science programs are booming, and we need more spaces where we can give them opportunities to learn and become exercise science professionals.”
In response to the closure, QUT will introduce additional aqua aerobics classes at its Gardens Point pool and provide a free shuttle service from Kelvin Grove for swimmers wishing to use the facility.
Mike Goodman, who has used the pool regularly for the past five years, said many members of the swimming community believed QUT had not adequately explored options to keep the pool open.
“We’re pretty upset that we are losing another vital community facility, and we don’t think that QUT is really looking at viable options to keep it open,” he said.
Mr Goodman said the indoor pool was particularly valued because it allowed people to swim year-round without prolonged exposure to Australia’s harsh UV conditions, making it a preferred option over nearby outdoor pools.
“It’s an indoor pool, so it’s really good in terms of sun safety,” Mr Goodman said.
“The Spring Hill Baths are a very old facility and [they are] not really suitable for quite a number of things that happen at the pool at Kelvin Grove.
“The Newmarket Pool is one of a number of pools, but we’re losing community facilities so they can have high performance facilities, and we just can’t afford to lose community facilities,” he said.
Mr Goodman started a petition opposing the pool closure a month ago which has almost 1500 signatures and continues to call on QUT to reconsider its decision to close the pool.
Petition link: change.org/p/save-the-kelvin-grove-pool.
