In November 2009, it was announced that the Tepid Baths were to close for a period of up to four years for a $12m restoration project to address structural issues exacerbated by the saltwater effects on the structure.

Our initial involvement included an assessment of the existing plant and aquatics facilities that eventually included overseeing the decommissioning and breaking down of the pool plant. Watershed then became involved at the request of the business owner to work with the project team, as the client representative, peer reviewing and challenging the aquatics components of the including the pool plant and equipment specification. Our brief was to ensure operational and practical considerations were at the forefront of plant selection and design considering an extremely tight site footprint and the historical nature of the facility.

We also provided input into pool sizes, opportunities and challenges as an outcome of our previous audits and wider facility experience. The building on Sturdee Street, near the Viaduct, now houses a 25m seven-lane pool, a learner’s pool, fitness centre, steam room, spa and private changing cabanas.

The restored building won the New Zealand Project Management Institute’s (PMINZ) “Public Sector Project of the Year” Award.