Contractors are in the final stages of the Rotorua Aquatic Centre Revitalisation, with the indoor facility set to re-open in early May 2024. 

The new roof over the indoor pools is on, and light is flooding in on the construction site.

The roof features a transparent material called ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene), which has a glass-like transparency but is lightweight, designed to be highly durable and provides good insulation.

This type of material is popular for buildings that need lots of controlled natural light.

The 'before' photo. Photo: Supplied.

The material has been used for the likes of Carisbrook Stadium in Dunedin and Eden Park in Auckland. It provides UV protection to facility users and will withstand the geothermal environment in Rotorua.

Lead designer from CREATE, Toby Mason, says the ETFE material was a great option for the re-roof and provides a good sense of place.

“The new transparent roof provides an excellent cost-effective opportunity to enhance natural light into the space, which we hope the local community will enjoy.

“The roof also assists with sound reverberation, which is a common issue in large indoor buildings and in particular, aquatic centres.”

Internal scaffolding has now come down. Photo: Supplied.

A spokesperson for Naylor Love, the project team, says they are very happy with progress and  looking forward to the community’s reaction once the upgraded facility re-opens. 

“We are extremely happy to see the bigger picture starting to take shape now that the internal scaffolding has been removed. We are pleased and excited with the results so far.”

In the coming months contractors will start to add the finishing touches, such as signage, furniture and a new poolside floor.

Internal scaffolding has now come down. Photo: Supplied.

Council is also working with local hapū Ngāti Kea Ngāti Tuara to develop cultural foundation themes that will be incorporated in the design work and way-finding signage.

An initial business case has been completed for Stage Three of the project which could include additional features, dependent on future external funding and subject to final Council decisions.

Background information

Council began work on the Rotorua Aquatic Centre redevelopment in 2019.

The current stage (Stage Two) focusses on revitalisation of the indoor pool hall, reception and indoor changing room area and follows upgrades to the outdoor pool and changing rooms.

Together, Council and Central Government have contributed $23.45m to Stage Two. Rotorua Lakes Council received $8.05m in October 2022 from Central Government.

This funding was Rotorua Lakes Council’s entitlement under the Three Waters Reform ‘Better Off’ fund, which Council determined would be used to progress the Aquatic Centre project.