Olympic Pool Association Incorporated chairman Richard Mallouk said the plan had been to construct an indoor heated diving pool with a 10 metre diving tower, to be used for short courses in swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming.

Initial works on the project began last January, and he said to date the roof of the pool had been built, as well as the diving tower and stage, and the cement for the swimming pool had been poured.

“We still need to render, tile and paint it,” he said.

“But our money has run out and so today is the last day of works for the time being.”

“We need to raise some more money,” Mr Mallouk said.

While $750,000 had already been spent on the pool’s construction he said another $300,000 was still needed.

But Mr Mallouk had no doubts about the continuation of the project.

“We will definitely be able to raise the money, we just don’t know how long it will take before we get the $300,000.”

“ A plan still needs to be made on how we are going to go about this, and of course it will require support and assistance from the whole community,” he said.

The diving pool construction is situated between the current swimming pool and the sports centre and Mr Mallouk said a fair bit of work still needed to be done at the site.

“We still need to fit in the railing and steps and paint the diving tower,” he said.

“Also the stairs, walkway and seats for the gallery are still needed.”

“As well as that the grandstand, amenity blocks and change rooms have to be built.”

Mr Mallouk said the pool wouldl be designed with a glass front facing the tower.

He said they would use all resources available including the pipeline from the old preschool in Pandora Street which would be used to heat the pool.

“We also need to add a plant room and of course the diving boards of which there will be five.”

“They are quite expensive though at $15,000 each.”

“Then we are going to designate a room for the media and officials and finally we need to make sure the building is enclosed,” Mr Mallouk said.

He said at least $50,000 was required before works on site could start up again.

“It is not worthwhile to open the site again for any less.”

Mr Mallouk said he was unsure of when works would start again, however he believed the diving pool would be ready next year, when the venue is to play host to the 2003 NSW Diving Country Championships.

It is to be named the Five Star Indoor Diving Pool.