Readers were keen for a foreshore pool, just perhaps not the kind that was suggested

Warrnambool architect Neil Holland went public last week with his idea to incorporate a new AquaZone facility as part of an upgraded surf club in an attempt to get the city talking about the future of the foreshore.

About two-thirds of those who responded to The Standard poll supported the idea of a pool at the foreshore, but even more wanted to see a third access road to the foreshore.

About 87 per cent of respondents wanted to see the Army barracks find a new home away from the foreshore - the idea was raised about moving it to the industrial estate so the land could be used for a tourism development.

A number of readers suggested Warrnambool follow the lead of New South Wales councils and install ocean pools in rock pools like in Sydney and Bermagui.

"Revise the idea to a free rock pool please, just like the many beautiful Sydney ones," one reader wrote.

"Yes to a natural outdoor beach water pool. Leave AquaZone where it is," someone else wrote.

"Everywhere I've been the ocean pools are a hit. Fabulous things."

Others suggested revisiting our past and harness the spa theme of the 1880s while others suggested moving the pool to a sporting precinct at Reid Oval.

Other readers wanted to see a marina for boats. "So many opportunities go begging," they wrote.

Another reader wanted to see colourful beach sheds stretch from the surf club to river mouth, just like those on beaches in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.

They even suggested selling them to raise cash for the council that could be funnelled back into funding a new marina.

Another reader suggested investing more into Flagstaff Hill and making it more like Sovereign Hill. "It has so much potential," they wrote.

A third road to access the foreshore also won support with readers.

Mr Holland suggested an overpass from Henna Street across the train lines and a road which followed the old railway track to the foreshore with the aim of improving emergency vehicle access to the foreshore especially in peak times.

But the lack of parking along the foreshore in summer was a big gripe with readers.

Mr Holland said the council really needed to look at the future of the foreshore and come up with an overall masterplan.

He said he had received positive feedback to his ideas which had generated a lot of discussion.

Mr Holland said the council needed to start looking at the future of AquaZone which was the place to be when there was a diving pool. "There's nothing at the pool that's fun anymore," he said.

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