Onehunga War Memorial Pool refreshed for summer3 min read

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The Onehunga War Memorial Pool has a new look for its summer season, with the refurbishment of the changing rooms and reception area giving the pools a fresh, modern overhaul.

The Onehunga War Memorial Pool Comprehensive Renewal Project has been in progress since 2016 when the project was approved by the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.  The concept for the refurbishment was designed throughout 2019, with a basic concept presented at a Local Board workshop in July 2019, and Cassidy Construction began the work in February this year.

The project is funded by the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board and being delivered by Auckland Council’s Community Facilities department. Approximately $1.5 million has been budgeted for the works.

The new reception and shop will include a modified entry with the ability for concession holders to use access gates to bypass reception. For casual visitors, a gate will be opened for them once they’ve been via reception.  This will allow more oversight into who is coming in, says Centre Manager Cameron Kerr, allowing for more security for people and belongings.

The changing rooms have also been spruced up and modernised, with new seating and facilities, and a new brighter colour scheme, and underfloor heating and ventilation have been installed to keep the changing rooms drier.  There is also a new, poolside changing room for people with a disability and an additional, larger family changing room with a toilet and shower. Three poolside showers have also been added inside, for people to rinse off without needing to use the changing room showers.

It’s the second phase of refurbishment for the pool facility, which has seen an upgrade of the spa, sauna and steam room already complete, as well as maintenance work on other equipment.  Now that the refreshed reception is open, the temporary reception will become a construction site, to become office space for staff.

“Despite uncertainties due to the Emergency Budget and time delays as a result of lockdowns, it is great to see this project completed” explains Chris Makoare, Chair of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.

“The upgrades have resulted in a much more welcoming and modern complex, which is sure to be an attraction to new guests as well as staff and regular members.  Congratulations team, let’s look forward to a bumper summer season!”

Cameron Kerr says they have 350,000 annual visits to the centre and have 1300 members and he’s really pleased to be able to offer an improved facility to the community. As well as memberships, they offer casual swim and gym sessions, swim school, group fitness classes, and a sauna, steam room and spa.  The outdoor pool opens for summer on 30 November, and inflatable equipment to play on will be a feature over the season. You can also book space for groups, including some with barbecues.

“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience during the work. We hope that they enjoy the colour scheme and theme of the refurbishment which has been developed to provide a bright, playful, environment with colours and decorative features that reflect the aquatic nature of the facility,” says Julie Pickering, Head of Area Operations – Community Facilities for Auckland Council.