Out with the old - make way for the new

Demolition work is now underway at Naenae pool, paving the way for construction to begin on the hotly anticipated new facility.

The pool has long been considered the “beating heart” of Naenae by locals, and draft concept plans for the $68 million replacement are being reviewed by the community to ensure it fits with their vision and aspirations for their neighbourhood. The draft designs draw on local cultural heritage and align with Council’s wider sustainable, environmental, wellbeing, and leisure goals.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry visited the site and the 32-tonne demolition machine that will bring down the 65-year-old pool and fitness suite.

“The community and former pool users will be as pleased as I am to see work get underway. With the draft design plans out for feedback it now feels like this project has real momentum,” said Campbell Barry.

“I know it may be sad for some to see the old building come down. But this work marks the start of an exciting and significant milestone towards creating our new Naenae Pool.”

Contractors have removed as much internal material as possible and Hutt City Council’s project team will be working with all those who have indicated they would like something as a keepsake or to recycle for their own requirements.

The demolition will begin at the centre of the building and bring down the roof before demolishing the concrete exterior. The project will repurpose up to 80% of existing materials to save it going to landfill.

Demolition is scheduled to continue until early 2022.