A pedestrian passes the art-deco brick wall that borders North Sydney Olympic Pool,on the edge of Sydney Harbour,on Tuesday.

A pedestrian passes the art-deco brick wall that borders North Sydney Olympic Pool,on the edge of Sydney Harbour,on Tuesday.Credit:James Brickwood

The council revealed in December that the cost of the redevelopment,which has been frustrated by heritage concerns and delays to the council's previously published timeline for the project,hadballooned by $6 million.

North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson said the Milsons Point pool had"served our community splendidly for 84 years"after opening in 1936 and appointing a builder was"the best new year present"for residents.

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"The pool is being transformed from a lap-swimming pool to a pool for the whole community,"she said.

Councillor MaryAnn Beregi was concerned some councillors had not seen the contract or a probity plan for the project. She found out a builder had been appointed via an announcement on the council's website this month.

"The council's budget for the project has gone from $28 million to $58 million to $64 million,and we don't even know what $64 million will get us,"Cr Beregi said.

"I've been concerned by what I've read about[Icon's] financial position and the status of various legal claims,and whether they have sufficient experience to undertake what is an incredibly complex build on a heritage site."

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Icon NSW director Edward Whiting said the company was"very well-placed"for the project and it recognised"the importance of the heritage aspects associated with one of the nation’s most historic swimming pools".

The pool will close for two years from the end of February to allow for the redevelopment.

The pool will close for two years from the end of February to allow for the redevelopment.Credit:Jessica Hromas

"The brickwork is the main[challenge] and replication of heritage signage. We've got a good subcontractor base to be able to do that."

He said the construction company had completed a number of redevelopment projects,including The Old Clare Hotel at Chippendale and Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre,which had"various levels of heritage underlay".

The Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park became a lightning rod for debate over the standards of residential construction across the city after a crack developed in a load-bearing concrete panel on Christmas Eve in 2018.

The cracks in Opal Tower led to debate about building construction standards.

The cracks in Opal Tower led to debate about building construction standards.

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The incident unleashed a wave of litigation in NSW courts.Icon has alleged in court documents that"shortcomings"by the building's structural design engineer caused the damage to the apartment building.

A Federal Court decision last year saidIcon had paid out in excess of $31 million as a result of the damage,including property rectification costs,alternative accommodation costs for residents and legal fees since February 28.

Mr Whiting declined to comment on the Opal Tower. He said Icon had numerous projects in the pipeline and there were"no financial concerns with our business",which is backed by construction giant Kajima Corporation.

"We have a good record for[delivering projects] on time and on budget,we're sure to carry that on,"Mr Whiting said.

Cr Gibson said she had"full confidence in Icon,otherwise they wouldn't have been awarded the tender".

Artists impressions of the North Sydney Pool redevelopment.

Artists impressions of the North Sydney Pool redevelopment.Credit:Image courtesy of North Sydney Council

"I'm very confident that we'll be swimming in it before Christmas 2022."

The 50-metre pool will remain open until the end of February for booked swims.

"Council will then spend two to three weeks decommissioning the pool,including removing equipment and memorabilia,before handing the site to Icon to start construction,"the council said.

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