Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre Complete
Apollo Projects was delighted to present Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre in picture perfect condition for its official opening on 11 August.
Our teams worked hard to deliver the shovel-ready project for the Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust (HBCFCT) on time and on budget. This was despite a number of challenges due to COVID-19 delays, major weather events and shipping delays throughout the build.
This world class training and events centre, based at Mitre 10 Park, Hastings has been built with community needs and aspirations at the centre. At every level, careful thought has gone into ensuring the centre is accessible for all, sustainably built, and fit for a wide range of small to very large events and activities.
The stunning facility includes, a 50m FINA World Championship/Olympic-sized pool which can be divided into two 25 metre competition pools using a movable bulkhead, separate 25m learn to swim area, and state-of-the-art single and double hydrotherapy pools.
Around the pool, there is permanent seating capacity for 888 spectators and temporary seating for 1662.
At the top of the Trust’s wish list, when planning the facility, was to have accessibility features wherever possible so that everyone in the community could enjoy it. This has seen the fit out include an accessible ramp in the learn to swim area; the installation of a pool pod, which was imported from Scotland; and hoists to assist people with changing and getting into the pools.
Sustainability was another major consideration. The centre uses renewable aggregates and other building materials with a low carbon footprint; has low power consumption LED lighting; is well insulated; and has space for solar panels to be installed.
Working around some serious weather issues and the impact of COVID-19 meant this project wasn’t without its challenges. However, our teams were able to identify most potential problems from the outset and worked with our contracting suppliers to achieve a build that was on time and on budget.
The Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre has been designed as a first class training facility that can hold everything from local club meets to international events. It aligns perfectly with Apollo Projects’ commitment to learn to swim initiatives and our dedication to developing world-class community facilities.
To meet the standards required to host major international events, we have installed two camera platforms for international media teams, timekeeping equipment by Swiss Timing, and electronically linked blocks, so false starts can be wired back to FINZ - the aquatic sport’s governing body.
Apollo Projects has been incredibly proud to work on this build and we hope generations to come will benefit from all it offers.
