Publication: nc14032012

The long awaited reopening of Tawa Pool has been delayed as Wellington City Council checks whether the building requires earthquake strengthening.

The pool has been closed since October for a major upgrade. It was due to reopen on April 14 with a giant disco party. But with the latest delay, the party has been called off.

Recreation Wellington manager Julian Todd says the council has taken another look at all of its buildings and structures in light of the Christchurch earthquakes.

“As part of this work we took another look at the pool building - which dates back to the early 1970s – and decided that we should do more work now, rather than have to come back again further down the track, especially if - as is expected - tougher engineering standards are imposed nationally.”

Mr Todd says it is too early say how much longer the pool will remain closed or how much any remedial work will cost.

Tawa Community Board chairman Malcolm Sparrow says the delay is disappointing. “But if the extra work is necessary, it’s better to get it out of the way now. But it’s a pity it wasn’t sorted earlier.”

He says the planned six-month closure could now be extended for a further two months. “That’s an awfully long time to be closed. It’ll make it harder to win back regular customers who have gone elsewhere.”

The council is planning a $3.8 million upgrade at Johnsonville’s Keith Spry Pool to be undertaken during the 2012/13 financial year. However, Mr Todd says there is no chance the two northern suburbs pools will be closed simultaneously.