Pool demolition completed in three weeks
12 June 2018
It's all action at the Cambridge pool site with demolition nearly completed.
Demolition began immediately after the site was blessed and now the plant room, men's changing rooms, BBQ area and existing toddlers' pool have been demolished.
As part of the demolition phase, two ghost elm trees located in the berm at the front of the building were removed to allow for the entry/exit into the new car park area. Two larger pittosporum trees by the existing BBQ area, plus a totara and kōwhai tree near the existing pool entrance, were also removed. Three new elm trees will be planted in the berm to replace the two ghost elms and a wider landscaping plan is also underway.
Project manager Lorraine Kendrick said every effort had been made to keep as many established trees as possible, including incorporating existing trees into the pool design.
The trees provide a lot of character and we were determined to keep what we could, she said. In fact, the whole building has been modelled around protecting three large cedar trees and a london plane to provide natural shade over the outdoor pool and splash pad.
We've spoken to those who have specific interests in the trees and shared the plans for the area. We have retained some stunning established trees but it was simply impossible to design around everything and still provide enough car park spaces plus safe entry and exit points, particularly for children.
All the concrete removed as part of demolition will be crushed on-site and used as back fill material in the new build. Major construction work will begin at the end of July 2018.
Waipa District Council approved the concept plans in 2017 for an upgrade of the existing outdoor pool, a new 10-lane indoor pool and learner's pool, a hydrotherapy pool, spa and sauna and a children's splash pad. There will be increased seating and a community room as well as car-parking, landscaping and an upgrade of Williamson Street.