Rotorua Aquatic Centre works progressing

Bore hole testing near the 50m outdoor pool. Combined withe the geotechnical tests and resistivity and radar testing, these bore hole samples will help to show what material makes up the soil around the 50m pool.

During the past six months contractrors have been carrying out in-depth investigations at Rotorua Aquatic Centre in preparation for the upgrades to the facility.

Each piece of investigation work is an important part of the process to enable Council to create comprehensive plan to move forward with the upgrades.

Rotorua Aquatic Centre is a valued community asset and, being more than 30 years old, is due for significant improvements. Council set out $7.5 million in the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan to go towards the initial stages of the redevelopment project.

Council is working with CLM and a user advisory group to deliver an upgraded facility that will continue to provide services for many years to come.

Here's what you can expect from the Aquatic Centre redevelopment project:

What is being done?

Council's first priority is to ensure the facility is brought up to the standard expected by the community.

Ensuring the facility meets modern safety codes, is fit-for-purpose and future-proofed is the first stage of the redevelopment. This work includes:

  • Foyer improvements (altering the main doors to prevent the wind tunnel effect)
  • Minor refurbishments to the indoor / outdoor spa pools and lazy river
  • 50m pool will be deepened, lengthened, and a ‘bulkhead' installed to allow the pool to change between one 50m pool, or two 25m pools
  • Change room upgrades
  • Roof repair (or replacement)
  • New ventilation systems
  • New fire system
  • New ceiling design for the indoor pool area
  • New indoor floor coverings

Bore hole testing near the 50m outdoor pool. Combined withe the geotechnical tests and resistivity and radar testing, these bore hole samples will help to show what material makes up the soil around the 50m pool.

When will the work start?

As less people use the outdoor pool in winter it will be the best time to begin the 50m pool upgrades. That work is expected to take at least four months. To complete the indoor work, including the roof, the most sensible time would be in the warmer, drier season (late spring to early autumn). Once investigations and plans are finalised a start date will be confirmed. Council will continue to keep staff, pool users and the community up to date on any project timings that will affect them.

When will the work finish?

Finish dates will depend on when the redevelopment begins. Council expects the indoor work to take at least six months. The outdoor work on the 50m pool will also take a similar time. These jobs will not be done at the same time.

So what has happened so far?

While there haven't been any physical changes that people can see, a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes to get a clear picture of what is needed to prepare for the upgrade including:

  • Geotechnical testing to check the strength of the ground around the 50m pool.
  • Resistivity, ground-penetrating radar and bore-hole testing has been undertaken to better understand the ground (and potential leaks) underneath the 50m pool.
  • In-depth investigations into the centre's roof conditions including reviews of mechanical strength of metal and wooden structures, corrosion, weather-tightness and ventilation.
  • Checks on the strength of the large wooden frames that support the roof.
  • Fire safety investigation.
  • Electrical supply investigation.
  • In depth investigations into the 50m pool stability.

Read more about the geotechnical tests and watch videos from geotechnical contractors HERE

Geotechnical testing near the 50m outdoor pool - enables contractors to understand the water content of the soil.

Geotechnical testing near the 50m outdoor pool - enables contractors to understand the water content of the soil.

Cables set out for the resistivity tests to see what types of material make up the soil around the 50m pool.

Richard Mellis using theground-penetrating radar machine.

Electrical system checks.

Checking the condition of the roof and building structure.

Will there be hydroslides?

We still really want to see hydroslides as a part of the redeveloped Aquatic Centre however, Council's first priority is to ensure the facility is brought up to the standard expected by the community and will continue to provide services for many years to come. Ensuring the pool is safe, fit-for-purpose and future proofed is the first priority. It also means other investors will see value in the facility and in partnering with Council on more exciting developments like hydroslides.

To read the full list of FAQs visit www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/visiontoaction

-Information and photos from Rotorua Lakes Council.

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