Café at AC Baths now open

Caf at AC Baths now open

6 May 2014

The final work at the AC Baths is now complete with the new caf open and ready for business.

The construction of the new caf signals the completion AC Baths refurbishment, which began in 2012. The $5.7 million refurbishment has addressed issues relating to the previous upgrade of the facility, principally around poor design and construction and bad vapour barriers, resulting in the complex becoming unsafe and unhealthy. The facility has also been upgraded to be safe in the event of earthquake.

The refurbishment of the pools was done in stages, starting with the indoor 25m pool in August 2012. Following its completion, work began on the indoor and outdoor leisure pools, learn-to-swim pool and toddler pool. The work was done in stages to allow the community to use parts of the complex for the duration of the project. The indoor leisure pool has had its roof removed and replaced with a partial roof and shade sails.

Taupō District Council aquatics and fitness manager Virginia Munro said the new caf looked really good. We're delighted to have our popular caf up and running, she said. It was due for an upgrade and we're happy we're able to offer our customers food on site again.

Contractors have also been working on the stairwell that leads down from the reception area to the pools. The area has been reinforced with concrete to strengthen for earthquake resistance, painted and had new flooring installed. Scaffolding has now been taken down from the stairwell and it is fully open.

Ms Munro said it was fantastic to have everything finished on the AC Baths and it was a facility the community could be proud of. We know thousands of people have taken advantage of the pools since they reopened in December and we hope many more will come through to experience the finished product, she said.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Taupō District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz