Stage Two of the Rotorua Aquatic Centre Revitalisation project is now underway.

Pakitai Raharuhi (Ngāti Kearoa / Ngāti Tuara) led the karakia, and representatives from Rotorua Lakes Council, CLM and project contractors were all present at the centre when the second stage got underway.

Typically, a sod-turning ceremony is held to commemorate the start of an outdoor project, but given the work will be indoors, a smash ceremony was the next best thing.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell led the smash ceremony, taking aim at the indoor changing room wall with a sledgehammer, which will be removed during the revitalisation work.

Bay of Plenty contractor Naylor Love has been awarded the contract for Stage Two of the Aquatic Centre Revitalisation, and work began on the indoor facility on Wednesday.

CREATE has been engaged as the lead designer for this stage of the project and specialise in aquatic centre builds across Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Stage Two of the revitalisation will focus on re-roofing and upgrading the main pool hall, front-of-house area and the indoor changing rooms, providing more modern and accessible facilities for users.

The 50m outdoor heated pool and outdoor reception will remain open for the public to enjoy while the work occurs indoors.

Mayor Tapsell, says Wednesday was a significant day for the community.

'Work is now underway to deliver the better Aquatic Centre our community has asked for and need. We're very pleased to be able to do this for our locals and are looking forward to delivering the finished product.”

Contractors Naylor Love, Ngāti Kearoa / Ngāti Tuara representatives, elected members and council project team.

Naylor Love Project Manager, Andre Kock, says his team is looking forward to getting stuck into the project.

'We are excited to be working on this next stage of the revitalisation, and today's smash ceremony marks the start of a transformation of a new and exciting development for the complex, which Naylor Love is proud to be part of.

'Having worked on the first stage of the project (the 50m outdoor pool and outdoor changing rooms), we are glad to be continuing on with the next stage for the community.”

CREATE Lead Designer Toby Mason says the design for the Rotorua Aquatic Centre is great legacy project for the local community.

'Our team have worked on a number of aquatic centre projects around Aotearoa, New Zealand and the new transparent roof of the Rotorua facility will provide an engaging atmosphere with controlled natural light and strong visual connection to the environment, while lowering energy use of the facility year-round.”

CLM Facility Manager Leah Burgess says since the facility closed on Sunday, the outdoor operations are running smoothly and the public have been very supportive of the upgrade.

'We were blown away by the positive responses that we received from the community after the announcement of the next stage of the Aquatic Centre Revitalisation. Our team are working hard to ensure we can accommodate as many people as we can in the outdoor 50m pool.

'If you had a booking with us prior to the closure announcement, we will be in touch to accommodate these bookings in the outdoor facility or make alternative arrangements. If you have any questions, give our friendly reception team a call on 07 348 8833.”

The outdoor 50m pool and outdoor changing facilities were refurbished in Stage One of the project, which cost $3.9m and was completed in 2021.

While the indoor facility is closed, the outdoor pool has a temporary reception, male and female change rooms and a family change room available. A temporary learn to swim pool is available as well as a temporary café, offering food and beverages.

Mayor Tapsell with Ngāti Kearoa / Ngāti Tuara representatives.

Aquatic Centre users can access the outdoor pool via the southern entrance to the site, and there is also plenty of parking, including four accessible parking spaces, by the new entrance. Some of the original parking spaces located outside the indoor facility will still be available for use.

The indoor facility will be closed for construction until early 2024. People are encouraged to use the 50m outdoor heated pool or visit the lakes in and around Rotorua in the mean-time. Local bathing facilities such as the Polynesian Spa, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, Hell's Gate, Secret Spot, the new QE facility which is expected to open early 2023 and the new Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, also expected to open early 2023, are fantastic alternatives.

For more information about the Rotorua Aquatic Centre Revitalisation, as well as FAQ's, please visit rotorualakescouncil.nz/visiontoaction