Now at the end of its life, the 1940s-built Clontarf Tidal Pool undergoes rebuilding, making it longer, wider and better for present and future generations to enjoy.
Opened in 1949, Council said that the existing tidal pool is at the end of its life and hence needs to be rebuilt. Made possible by a grant under the NSW State Government Public Spaces Legacy Program, the $542,000 upgrade of the tidal pool at Clontarf Beach will be commencing this March 2023.
The upgrade will look similar to the upgraded tidal pool at Little Manly and will see the pool enlarged to improve user experience, cater for population growth and align with other elements in the park Masterplan. The pool will offer lap swimming in deeper water on lower tides as its width increases by three metres into the harbour.
The pool’s length will also be increased to 64 metres to provide a more protected wading area and shoreline to cater for heavy use periods and future increases in usage.
Also, the pool enclosure finishes a minimum of 3 metres from the existing seawall to allow beach rake access into the pool and adjacent beach for cleaning, and also maintains pedestrian access along the beach.
More durable materials will be used for the upgrade for less maintenance and less disturbance to the marine environment in the long-term, including the use of timber walers around the pool, HDPE-sleeved steel piles and high-strength shark netting.
Resident seahorses were relocated in late February to purpose made seahorse hotels following approval by the Department of Primary Industry (Fisheries). Construction is expected to be completed by September 2023, in time for the seahorse breeding season.
Published 16-March-2023