Tshwane Metro has confirmed that the R1.7-million refurbishment of Hillcrest Swimming Pool has arrived at the midway point, with the remaining work set to continue after the facility reopens next month.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said financial constraints resulted in the project being split across two financial years, but insisted the pool remains on track to reopen on September 1 for the spring and summer swimming season.

Mashigo said the maintenance programme was divided into two phases to ensure the project could continue despite budget limitations.

“Phase one, which included repairs and maintenance to the main buildings and change rooms, was completed in June 2026. Phase two entails repairs and maintenance of the Grandstand Pavilion, which is expected to be completed during this financial year,” said Mashigo.

He said approximately 50% of the work has now been completed.

According to Mashigo, the budget for the project is about R1.7-million, and the outstanding work is still within budget.

He added that financial constraints were the only significant challenge encountered during the project.

“Financial constraints meant the repair work had to be split into two phases between two financial years.”

Despite the remaining work, he assured residents that construction of the grandstand would not delay the pool’s reopening.

Mashigo said the remaining scope of work entails repairs and maintenance of the Grandstand Pavilion, which is expected to be completed on or before the end of this current financial year.

He stated that, however, the remaining work will not affect the reopening of the swimming pool as the Grandstand Pavilion will be cordoned off as a construction site to allow for safe utilisation of the pool, offices and ablution facilities.

Before reopening, Mashigo said the facility will undergo the same inspections required at all municipal swimming pools.

“Just like all other municipal swimming pools, the facility will undergo water quality and Occupational Health and Safety checks before the reopening for public use,” Mashigo said.

Pretoria’s swimming community eagerly awaits the reopening, with Northern Tigers Swimming (NTS) having already scheduled several galas from September.

NTS General Secretary and Administrator Magdaleen Fair said the club welcomed the progress and remained optimistic that swimmers would be back in the water next month.

“We have a full gala calendar from September onwards, with at least two galas planned during the summer season,” said Fair.

She added that Hillcrest remains Pretoria’s only 50m long-course competition pool, making its reopening critical for the development of competitive swimming in the city.

ALSO READ: Swimmers dive into plans as Hillcrest Pool reopening draws closer

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel