Norman Kirk Memorial Pool Redevelopment - Sport

Client:          Auckland Council

Project Brief

The Norman Kirk Memorial Pool complex in Otara has been expanded, upgraded and rebuilt into a vibrant and modern aquatic centre. It was opened by Auckland Mayor Len Brown in January 2011 and is now being enjoyed by the community.
The Norman Kirk Memorial Pool first opened in 1974. It is part of the Otara Leisure Centre in Manukau, and in 2008 the Manukau City Council gave the green light for a refurbishment. Various alterations and additions to the leisure centre had the effect, over time, of obscuring the presentation of the pool facility to the immediate precinct and resulted in an entrance sequence confused by the multitude of built forms.
The key aim of the redevelopment was to increase the number of people using the facility, thereby offering improved health benefits to the community.
The design intent was to:
• Reconnect all the parts of the Leisure Centre into a coherent building form;
• Reinforce the main entrance sequence;
• Create opportunities to view into and out of the new building;
• Advertise the use of the building clearly to the public;
• Reinforce the connection between the uses within the building around the main entrance foyer; and
• Reinforce the visual connection between the external pool area and adjacent public activities.
A sod-turning ceremony marked the start of the project and in November 2009 Mainzeal commenced on site.
The project included demolition of the existing indoor pool facilities. The outdoor 33.3m length pool was retained with landscaping improvements to the surrounding grounds.
A new aquatic complex was built, with modern change facilities, toddlers’ pool, leisure and teaching pool, 25-metre lap pool, spa and sauna. The facility received a new reception area and upgrade of the existing entry foyer. A new service tunnel, balance tanks and new plant rooms were also constructed.
The new pool hall has been pulled forward to fill the gap between the existing curved administration wing of the leisure centre and the existing fitness centre block. The hall rises gently to create a high point immediately adjacent to the Newbury Street entrance, which reinforces the building’s status as a public community centre. A closer connection between the recreation centre and the aquatic centre, with strengthened visual links from the foyer, creates a truly interactive, multi-use Leisure Complex and a genuine hub for enhanced community activity.
The new building form comprises a single roof structure that partially over-sails the existing changing block and fitness centre, where a mezzanine floor has been created to accommodate the new air handling plant for the pool hall and changing facilities.
Included in the scope of the project was the refurbishment of the existing fitness centre and upgrade of fire systems throughout the existing complex. The facade of the fitness centre was treated with a screen structure to unify the disparate parapet and roof levels and creating a more sculptural backdrop to the activities adjacent to the site.
The adjoining Fitness Centre and Gymnasium were operational throughout the construction period, requiring major services to be relocated and maintained.
The external garden was landscaped to allow long views in and out of the site. These visual connections have assisted in enhancing community connections and interactive usage across the spaces. Barbecues and family areas have further enlivened the space and the new garden area landscaping has facilitated flexibility for a variety of activities.
The transformation of the Norman Kirk Memorial Pool has meant the community of Otara now has a highly functional resource with modern facilities that meet the needs of the region. The design allows for expansion so the centre has the flexibility to work well into the future.
The redevelopment project has resulted in a bright and energetic complex that now stands proudly in its position as a vibrant community leisure centre.