Pool plan for Ziems land

Valerie Hussain wants to see land in Ziems Park used for an expansion of Corrimal Pool.

CORRIMAL'S Ziems Park is again the focus of an ambitious new development proposal, only this time it is not Stockland doing the planning.

Members of the local Neighbourly Committee want to see the green space used for the expansion of Corrimal Pool.

The community group believes with work and space, the pool could be transformed into a year-round asset and drawcard comparable to Brandon Park and the Sutherland Aquatic Centre.

Committee convenor Valerie Hussain said the expansion could include an upgrade of the existing pool complex and the construction of new facilities, such as picnic areas and shelters on 5000 square metres of the adjacent Ziems Park land.

"There are plenty of options for what could be done to improve the pool," Ms Hussain said.

"We see this as benefiting the whole of the northern suburbs."

Ziems Park is already the subject of a controversial development proposal, which would see part of the land rezoned to allow for the expansion of Stockland Corrimal shopping centre.

Wollongong City Council will incorporate the Stockland proposal into the preparation of the Corrimal Commercial Centre Master Plan, scheduled to be completed during the 2006-07 financial year.

Ms Hussain wants the pool expansion to also be considered in future planning.

She said the proposal would be discussed at the next meeting of Neighbourly Committee Four on July 4, before a letter is written to the council.

The proposal has won support from the Corrimal Swim Club.

Club president David Swan said the pool was already hugely popular and had the potential to attract swimmers from well beyond the boundaries of Corrimal.

"I've already got people from Coledale who classify it as their home pool," he said.

Mr Swan said the Ziems Park land had been neglected, but could to be turned into an attractive addition to the pool complex.

The land is already used by swimmers as a gathering point and recreational area.

Mr Swan said he was concerned that the Stockland expansion would destroy the much-needed green space and attract anti-social behaviour to the area surrounding Corrimal Pool.

"If that plan goes ahead it would almost be the demise of the swimming club," Mr Swan said.

Ms Hussain said the pool expansion plan would allow the community to keep the green space for the future.

"It's an open space for everyone to enjoy," she said.

"Nobody knows what the needs of the community will be down the track, but this keeps the options open."