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Swim Zone Matamata roof

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About Swim Zone Matamata

At the end of April 2021, the Swim Zone Matamata indoor pool, changing rooms and spa were closed after learning the Swim Zone Matamata pool roofing structure, and various other parts of the sports centre, were at risk in an earthquake.

The indoor pool roof was completed in the late 1980s and while it has performed well in a harsh environment, it was identified in our maintenance planning as being due for replacement in 2021. While this had been budgeted for, the assessment prior to carrying out this work revealed the entire roof support system needed replacing, from the foundations up.

After being made aware of the risk with the indoor pool structure, we assessed the level of compliance across the rest of the facility. Other areas were also found wanting, and what started out as a $1.5 million project to carry out the scheduled pool roof replacement quickly escalated into a project that would cost between $3 million to $6 million to fix.

That’s a significant investment and it has prompted us to ask if we should spend that amount of money on a facility that’s coming to the end of its life. To gather information and assess the options will take time, and we want the community to be involved as we work through what the future is for Swim Zone Matamata. 

At the end of 2021 a working group was established, and it was decided to put a 'medium term solution' in place, meaning that the Matamata community can continue to access an indoor pool and swimming lessons all year round, while we take on the longer term challenge of planning for a new or upgraded complex that meets the future needs of the community. Due to some delays, the new temporary roof will be in place from February 2024.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's wrong with the roof?

The Swim Zone Matamata pool roofing structure, and various other parts of the sports centre, are at risk in an earthquake. Earthquake-prone buildings are defined as having a New Building Standard score of less than 33% of design requirements and the facility has areas ranging between 25% and 30%. The scores are -

  • Indoor pool – 30%
  • Fitness area – 25%
  • Squash – 30%

After being made aware of the risk with the indoor pool structure, we assessed the level of compliance across the rest of the facility. Other areas were also found wanting, and what started out as a $1.5 million project to carry out the scheduled pool roof replacement quickly escalated into a project that would cost between $3 million to $6 million to fix.

Project Timeline

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Indoor pool, changing room and spa closed

29 April 2021

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Heated outdoor dive pool opened, covered walkway completed and reception moved to Meura St.

May-August 2021

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Indoor pool roof removed

October 2021

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Indoor pool roof working party appointed

November 2021

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Indoor pool operational as an outdoor pool

Summer 2021

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Council decision on roofing solution for indoor pool

April 2022

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Construction of medium term solution

From 23 June 2023

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Indoor pool reopens

February 2024

Funding

Indoor pool roofing solution (for the medium term) -

$30,000 approved to assess options and develop the business case

$500,000 estimated for construction (dependent on the business case)

Gallery

29 April 2021 - Heated indoor pool closed
20 August 2021 - Covered walkway under construction
15 Sept 2021 - Covered walkway nearing completion
18 Sept 2021 - New signage at Meura Street entrance
21 Sept 2021 - Indoor pool roof demolition begins
21 Sept 2021 - Meura St carpark closed for demolition work
Day 2 roof removal - interior view
Day 2 roof removal - exterior view
Day 3 roof removal - interior view
Day 3 roof removal - exterior view

Day 3 - scissor lift lowered into place

Day 4 roof removal - interior view
Day 4 roof removal - exterior view one
Day 4 roof removal - exterior view two
Day 5 roof removal - interior view
Day 6 roof removal - interior view
Day 6 roof removal - exterior view
Day 8 roof removal - interior view
Day 8 roof removal - exterior view
The pool has been prepped for painting