Aquatic centre in Turangi on track

The upgrade of the old Turangi Turtle pool (now the Genesis Energy Turangi Aquatic Centre) is on target for completion in July and the contract is running within budget.



So far the two new pools – the learner’s pool and deep pool – have been poured and the structural framing is almost complete. Currently the timber framing work is underway and the plant rooms, offices and changing facilities are being constructed. The concrete turtle, the iconic feature and reason behind the original name of the centre, has been protected during construction to ensure he will live on as feature of the impressive new complex.



The facility has been a focal point for Turangi youth since the 7 lane 25 metre pool was first opened in 1973. This new aquatic centre will provide the community a modernised complex to expand and cater for the changing needs of current and future generations.



The cost of the project is $4.5million, $1.4m more then was originally stated in Councils 2007/08 Annual Plan which will mean a 2.2% increase for Turangi ratepayers. However, the benefit for the community will be a far superior and flexible facility including a deeper activity pool, improved spectator seating, a suspended acoustic ceiling, a sound system and inclusion of solar panels which will allow year-round use of the pools.



Turangi/Tongariro Community Board Chairman, Don Ormsby said that the facility was at the heart of the community and that the upgrade will complement and enhance the social, health, recreation and economic outcomes of the Turangi community.



“The Genesis Energy Turangi Aquatic Centre is going to be a huge addition for Turangi and the majority of the community is right behind the project and looking forward to seeing it complete,” he said.



“Thanks to the Genesis sponsorship, we will be able to offset annual maintenance costs at the pool reducing the financial burden on ratepayers. Genesis Energy is a major corporate in this area and the Turangi/Tongariro Community Board has welcomed its support for what we believe is going to be a valuable community asset for people of all ages,” said Mr Ormsby.



Like any major reconstruction project, there have been occasional hiccups along the way. However, these have been rectified to meet the contract requirements at no extra cost to Council and ratepayers.