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Pool renewal and strengthening work to begin at Waterworld indoor pool complex

Friday 14 December 2012, 1:53PM

By Hastings District Council

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HASTINGS

Strengthening work at Flaxmere Waterworld is to be undertaken while the facility is closed for a major upgrade and renewal after Christmas.

The need for repairs to the roof structure at Waterworld was identified in September 2011, when the pool manager noticed cracks in the main roof portal had increased in size. The pool was subsequently closed for inspection, temporary bracing was installed and the pool was safely reopened to the public. An engineering report recommended the installation of an external structure around the existing timber portal which will strengthen the central zone of the building. The strengthening of the roof along with other strengthening works will cost around $650,000.

Acting Group Manager Community Services and Facilities Craig Thew says “The option that council has chosen is the most cost effective and least obtrusive to the users of the facility. The work will be undertaken from early January 2013 and should be completed by the end of April 2013.”

Mr Thew says “Council has also committed a further $570,000 to a major upgrade of the pool and this will be done at the same time as the roof structure is strengthened. This upgrade is included in the 2012-22 Long Term Plan and will result in an improvement in the water quality of the pools, better changing facilities and improved disabled facilities.”

“Waterworld has always been a highly valued community asset and this will be further enhanced once the upgrade has been completed,” Mr Thew says.

The pool is generally closed after Christmas for its annual maintenance and swimmers are encouraged to use the outdoor Frimley Pool during the closure.

Meanwhile, the Clive Swimming Pool will trial opening some weekdays over the holiday period for the first time. The facility is normally closed during the holidays as there are a low number of bookings.

The Clive Swimming Pool will be closed between 24 December and 4 January and open from Monday 7 January to Friday 11 January between 8am and 1pm, with normal operating hours resuming from Monday 14 January.

Splash Planet water theme park and the recently upgraded Havelock North Village Pools are also open over the summer period. The opening hours for pools in Havelock North are available at www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/other-pools