Improvements proposed for Parnell Baths

Auckland City officers have proposed several improvement projects for Parnell Baths for consideration by the Combined Committees on 9 March.

The improvement projects under consideration were not included in the $4.2 million refurbishment of Parnell Baths in 2003 due to budget constraints at the time.

If approved by the combined committees, a $400,000 project would strip and paint the base of the large pool and reduce the amount of water escaping through the pool’s porous base.

“The main pool is an extremely large concrete structure holding about 3.6 million cubic metres of water. When it was constructed in 1914 the pool was designed for a small amount of water to escape as a pressure release system. It prevents the pool ‘popping’ out of the ground from the pressure of the tide and groundwater. There would be clear operational efficiencies if as much water as possible could be retained,” says Auckland City’s community planning business services manager, Mike Smith.

Other projects proposed for consideration by the committee include:

$150,000 to increase the height of the retaining wall behind the changing rooms to stabilise the bank

$100,000 to upgrade the downstairs storage area so that it has the potential to expand the fitness area.

If endorsed by Combined Committees, all budget implications will be subject to public consultation through the draft annual planning process.

If then given final approval, all project work would take place during a usual winter pool closure.

Some 63,000 people visit the Parnell Baths each season.

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