Dickson Aquatic Centre's dreary forecourt will receive a revamp in time for the start of the summer season.
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But the future of the wider precinct surrounding the beloved pool remains up in the air, with the ACT government still yet to finalise long-awaited plans for the redevelopment of Section 72.
Urban Renewal Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said furniture, shade structures and extra bike racks would be placed outside the Cowper Street centre in an attempt to make it a more "appealing, fun space" this summer.
The structures will be installed from October until March next year, with the government to seek community feedback in early 2020 before considering funding for permanent works.
Ms Stephen-Smith said upgrading the centre's forecourt was listed among locals' top priorities for the area during public consultation on the future of Dickson's Section 72, which has been ongoing since early last year.
The government is planning to redevelop the block, which is bounded by Antill Street, Rosevear Place and Hawdon Place, with a mix of private and social housing, including the territory's second Common Ground site.
It has already demolished asbestos-ridden buildings on the site, including the CFMEU's old office block, and was scheduled to release its vision for the redevelopment in early 2019.
But that has yet to happen.
When asked on Tuesday to explain the delay, an ACT government spokeswoman said it was still in talks with the Salvation Army to secure its now-vacant former centre on the site.
"Resolution of this issue is critical to the development of an integrated plan for the urban renewal of Section 72 Dickson," the spokeswoman said.
Once a deal was struck, a community reference group would be formed to help guide planning for the Section 72 precinct.
It would then start public consultation on an estate development plan and territory plan variation, which is needed to allow housing on the site.
No timeline has been set for that process.
Dickson Residents' Group convener Jane Goffman said locals were "confused" about the status of the project amid the months-long delay.
But Ms Goffman was pleased to hear of plans to upgrade the aquatic centre's forecourt, which she described as "beyond tired".
"It's an antique," Ms Goffman said.
"We're really excited about this, as it's been something people have been calling for for years now."
Dickson Aquatic Centre manager Chris Graham was keen to work with the government to create a "playful, yet practical place in the pool forecourt".
The future of the popular inner-north summer destination became a hot topic of conversation earlier this year, with the ACT government's annual survey of pool users canvassing the possibility of it being transformed into an indoor centre.
The government received more than 600 responses to the survey, with just eight per cent indicating support for a year-round indoor facility.
However, 37 per cent expressed support for a mixed indoor and outdoor facility, provided it do not come at the expense of the existing 50-metre pool.
The government spokeswoman said it was not currently considering plans to "expand or significantly alter" Dickson pool.