50m pool reopens to the public

The completion of the 50m pool marks the end of the first phase in the work to redevelop the Rotorua Aquatic Centre. Council set aside funding in the 2018-2028 Long-term Plan to bring the highly valued community facility up to a standard that Rotorua could be proud of.

We are very pleased that we can celebrate the completion of the first phase of the Aquatic Centre redevelopment, says Rotorua Lakes Council Operations Group Manager Jocelyn Mikaere.

The pool looks fantastic, it sets the high standard that we want to achieve for the rest of the Aquatic Centre. We want to continue the momentum and we already have the next significant stage scheduled for later this year. In addition, staff are now working on designs to give the outdoor changing rooms a bit of a facelift and install accessible toilets and showers.

Before construction

During construction

During construction

After construction

The work to improve the outdoor changing rooms is expected to begin around June/July and should take about 10 weeks to complete. The improvements will include more toilets and showers, painting, roof repair, geothermally heated water, and accessible toilets and showers.

The changing rooms will be closed for the work period and will be fenced off. In the meantime, designs will be finished and a tender process will take place before work can start.

I know Leah Burgess and the Rotorua CLM team are all looking forward to the opening of new 50m pool and Rotorua Lakes Council need to be congratulated for their mahi and vision in now having a 50m pool that we can all be very proud of, says Craig Carter, CEO of CLM which operates the centre on behalf of Council.

The great thing about the outdoor 50m pool is it provides outstanding space for the competitive swimmers as well as our tamariki who want to have fun outdoors. Big thanks also the Rotorua community for being so understanding during the work project, as the saying goes some short term pain, for some long term gain'.

The 50m pool now slightly deeper and slightly longer, has a new filtration system, stainless steel gutters, liner and a new decking area surrounding the pool.

A bulkhead has also been installed to provide extra options for lane and leisure swimming.

Items still to come include new shade sails between the deck area and the outdoor changing rooms and a Poolpod accessibility lift. The Poolpod will be installed once the remaining equipment arrives from overseas.