Napier Aquatic Centre dives into final phase of $4m refurbishment

The Ivan Wilson side of the Napier Aquatic Centre complex will be closed, along with the outdoor area and splash pad, as work begins on the final phase of its refurbishment. Photo / Paul Taylor

Work is going relatively swimmingly at the Napier Aquatic Centre as a multimillion dollar-maintenance and refurbishment project enters its final phase.

However, there will be some disruptions for customers, with the Ivan Wilson side of the complex closed, along with the outdoor area and splash pad, from February 10.

The Old Pool will be open but with limited lane-swimming space and no water-play space available until all works are completed in late April.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says once the works are complete, the pool complex will be a place for everyone to enjoy. However, it is understood the temporary disruptions will be inconvenient for regular pool users.

The work on the Onekawa Pools began in early May 2024 and is expected to be completed by late April this year.

“This upgrade will see us through for the next eight to 10 years,” Wise said.

“Napier Aquatic Centre will continue to be a place for people to get fit, families to enjoy and babies and toddlers to make their first splash in learn-to-swim classes.”

The work is part of Napier City Council’s long-term planning, which flagged $4 million for essential maintenance on the facility’s buildings.

The council website says remedial work will be done on walls, flooring will be upgraded and a new heat pump will be installed.

“We will also be making improvements to our reception desk. While this area is closed, we will work on roof repairs and upgrades to the seating.”

Another key improvement will be internal and external accessibility upgrades.

While the work is in progress, a temporary reception will be set up through the Old Pool double doors.

The work was needed to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of pool users and staff.

“We apologise for the disruption and are working as quickly as we can to get things completed by the end of April,” Wise said.

Aqua Fit will continue in a limited capacity in the Old Pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays. HIIT Squad continues as normal.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.