Video: Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre reaches finish line
New Zealand's newest indoor aquatic complex today reached the finish line when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern officially declared it open.
The Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre, which opens to the public in September, features a ten-lane 50-metre FINA World Championship/Olympic standard pool, which can be split into two 25 metre competition pools by using a moveable bulkhead and also houses another 25-metre learn-to-swim/warm up pool.
The project was led by Sir Graeme Avery and Bruce Mactaggart of the Hawke's Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust and bolstered by $32 million from the Government's shovel-ready projects fund.
Bruce Mactaggart, HBCFCT Founding Trustee – who led the design and construction of the project - said the aquatic complex is “even bigger and better than originally planned”.
Mactaggart said the initial scope originally planned for the project was delivered under budget, enabling the addition of two hydrotherapy pools which will be available for rehabilitation and therapeutic applications, as well as being used by athletes for recovery and coaching purposes.
“In the current climate, it is a significant achievement that, working alongside our partners at Apollo Projects, we have been able to finish the complex on time and within budget; and so, have been able to add extra features such as the hydrotherapy centre.
“Our aquatic offering is now unparalleled in New Zealand and is specifically designed as a deep-water pool to enhance our ability to host many different sports, including water polo and canoe polo, in addition to major national and international swimming events."
Mr Mactaggart thanked the Government for having the confidence in the Trust to complete the project, which created over 160 jobs, involving more than 130,000 construction man hours worked over 20 months. He particularly wanted to thank the lead contractor, Apollo Projects, and the many supporting local trade businesses that worked with them.
“They have all worked incredibly hard to ensure the completion of this project in less than two years, and within budget; an amazing feat really, particularly when you consider the impact of COVID19.”
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said: "Having a world-class high-performance swimming facility in Hawkes Bay is an incredible achievement by the Community Fitness Trust and the vision of Sir Graeme Avery. Also having the Hydro Therapy pool for medical patients is an amazing addition".
Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said the centre is an "incredible asset" for Hawke's Bay and in fact the country.
"It will cater to the local swim clubs freeing up space in our other pools for community use and will also provide additional space for much needed learn to swim programmes for our rangatahi. At a national level, the facility meets the standards required for not only national but international competitions including the World Champs. An amazing facility for our region."
Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker shared similar sentiments, adding it is a great addition to our regional assets.
"The HB Regional Aquatic Centre is an exciting opportunity for our youth across the whole region.
"While it will function for local swimming activities and events for many around Hastings and Napier, for Central Hawke’s Bay swimmers it provides a vital outlet for the progress of our young athletes into regional and national competitive swimming without having to leave the region."
The Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre. Photo/Hazel Redmond.
The aquatic centre opens to the public on September 1 and 60 staff will then be employed throughout the HBCFCT facilities. The aquatic centre alone will employ a centre manager, lifeguards, a learn-to-swim manager and other support staff.
