Extra funds approved for Cambridge Pools

An extra $521,000 has been approved by Waipā District Council for critical remedial works on the 50m outdoor pool in Cambridge.

The additional funds were sought after contractors discovered defects with the existing 50m pool. The facility is undergoing major redevelopment and the 50m pool will be retained as part of the new complex.

Project delivery manager Lorraine Kendrick said the additional costs would not have an impact on rates.

“The funds will be covered through asset sales in Cambridge plus external funding. It’s simply an unavoidable cost to ensure an old pool can continue to be used and enjoyed for years to come.”

Kendrick said the original pool was constructed in 1971, making it 48 years old and near the end of its 50-year asset life.

“We had anticipated some remedial work would be required due to the age of the pool. However, until the pool was closed and emptied and the adjacent ground excavated for the new building, we were unable to carry out inspections and we couldn’t be sure of the extent of work required.”

In October 2018 Council entered into a $17.6 million fixed-price contract to build the long-awaited pool complex with a total project budget of $20.7 million. Of this, $1.8 million has already come from external fundraising with more likely to be raised. This money for remedial works is additional to that budget.

Kendrick said major progress had been made on the project and construction of the building to house the indoor pool was now well underway.

“We have made fantastic progress and are right on track to complete this project mid-next year. We know Cambridge residents are very excited for their new complex and so are we.”

Once complete, the new pool facility will include a new 10-lane indoor pool and learner's pool, a hydrotherapy pool, spa and sauna, a children's splash pad and an upgrade of the existing 50m outdoor pool.

To learn more about the Cambridge Pool project, visit waipadc.govt.nz/cambridgepool.