Octa was engaged by Timaru City Council to manage the redevelopment of this project including the appointment of the design team and management of the nine month process to fully design and tender the main construction contract.
The design brief had comprehensive requirements for dry side and wet side activities to support the business plan, maximise the possible revenue generation and minimise operational costs. There are seven separate bodies of water including leisure, learn to swim, toddlers, rapid river, 25 metre (10 lane) pool, programme pool, spa and two hydro-slides. The dry side includes gymnasium, spin room, aerobics, wellness and cafeteria.
Once the construction contract was awarded in September 2010, Octa project managed all aspects of the development which was completed on budget, as scheduled, in June 2012.
There was a focus on practical “green” initiatives based on the use of natural and recycled materials plus insulation, vapor barrier and energy efficient systems. The EECA grant for Wood Fuel allowed a sustainable wood chip boiler to be installed and created the opportunity to develop a wood chip industry in the city.
The relocation of the heritage lighthouse on the site met with the approval of the community and the Historic Places Trust, and eliminated the need for a lengthy resource consent process.
The integration of the existing outdoor facility with the new indoor complex has added value, and has been a catalyst for the re-organisation of sporting and recreational facilities in Timaru.