It’s years late and millions over budget, now one of Australia’s most beautiful pools is close to reopening

North Sydney pool was due to reopen in 2022 after a major refurbishment. Photograph: Matthew Abbott/The Guardian

A host of former Olympic swimmers have been treated to a first look at the refurbished North Sydney pool, soon to reopen after years of delays.

The famous art deco pool under the Harbour Bridge, which first opened in 1936, was due to reopen in 2022 after closing for a major refurbishment in 2021, but has been hampered by delays and ballooning costs – which have now reached $122m.