A council spokesman said contractor, ARW Multigroup, would likely finish installation of timber support beams this week. The beams cracked following a heavy snowfall on September 28, 2019. Staff evacuated the facility and it has been closed ever since.

The work since then has involved the beams' replacement and reinforcement of the existing ones.

While management originally expected the pool to be opened by the end of December, last month's council meeting heard there had been a delay in the beams' delivery, which was not the contractor's fault.

The spokesman said an inflection to the roof was also worse than first thought, and had sunk up to 300mm in some places.

"Once the contractor finishes the roof repairs, the council will need to remove the support struts and assess the pool tiles for any damage," he said.

"If any require replacing this will add a number of days as they need to cure before we can begin refilling. Staff will then clean the pool and hall and refill the pool. We are also using this as an opportunity to perform critical maintenance on the pool's expansion joint."

The facility is expected to be opened in the week beginning February 10.

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The spokesman said insurer, Statewide Mutual, was covering all repairs and the cost had not risen as a result of the roof inflection.

Councillors were told in December that ARW Multigroup had been selected to undertake the work, for a quote of $157,420. But this did not include the cost of temporary support struts or structural design works.

Meantime, councillors also decided last month to modify the aquatic centre's $29 million stage one redevelopment by reducing its footprint. They have entered into discussions with two firms, Zauner Constructions, which is also constructing Goulburn's Performing Arts Centre, and Forest Lodge-based FDC Contracting Pty Ltd about the modifications, with a view to choosing one to design and construct the additions.

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Operations director Matt O'Rourke said five companies submitted conforming tenders after they closed on November 22. But all prices were about $4m above the construction budget, which was based on a quantity surveyor's estimate.

"While the value engineering workshops identified many potential cost saving estimates, further cost saving initiatives are required to bring price submissions in line with the budget," he reported to the meeting.

Tenderers had submitted optional estimates for the gym, sauna and spa, priced at $1.5 million to $2m, which Mr O'Rourke said would further add to the cost. He recommended that these elements, plus the creche be excluded to achieve savings.

But councillors baulked at the idea.

Deputy Mayor Peter Walker argued many young mothers would welcome the creche.

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"I don't think it should be excluded because there are lots of young mums looking to get out and take a break. If it's a viable thing in the plan, I don't see much value in excluding it," he said.

Cr Andrew Banfield said the project was unlikely to become any cheaper.

"I think we need to look seriously at getting some extra funds, whether that's from land sales or other sources," he said.

"I'd be extremely disappointed if this project was scaled back after all the effort that's been put into it thus far."

Councillors decided not to invite fresh tenders due to the time and cost implications, the need to progress works in light of the indoor pool's temporary repairs and the fact that competitive offers could be achieved by talks with Zauner and FDC Contracting.

Negotiations have commenced with the two firms. A report, including pricing of the gym, sauna, spa and creche as optional extras, will be brought back to the March 3 council meeting for a decision.

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The stage one work includes a new eight-lane indoor pool; refurbishing the existing indoor pool and converting it for programs; a new indoor leisure pool; a new plant room; new change rooms; a new entry foyer, reception, administration area; a pool hall for indoor aquatics; a cafe linking to Victoria Park, expanded car park; repairs to the outdoor pool's expansion joint; and landscaping.

The overall project is priced at $49m, but is dependent on securing funds.

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