Local businesses impress aquatic centre design and project team

Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre project manager Ian Martin is impressed with the interest and capabilities of Timaru construction industry companies, many of which he acknowledged already had a strong national profile.

A steady stream of Timaru business leaders and construction industry representatives turned up at the Timaru District Council chambers today (eds: Monday December 14) in a strong show of local interest in work associated with the aquatic centre to be built on Maori Park and scheduled for completion by mid-2012.

They were attending a council-organised open day where South Canterbury industry learned about the centre directly from the designers and engineers appointed to the project.

The informal open day for the businesses was held at the personal invitation of Timaru mayor Janie Annear who said one of the key priorities for the council was to ensure that local business had the opportunity to become involved in what was “one of the most significant projects in the district for some time”.

On hand to explain how local businesses could dovetail into the $18 million construction project were Murali Bhaskar and Glenn Brebner from New Plymouth-based aquatic and leisure centre specialist architects Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner Team Architecture Ltd, who have been appointed designers by the council, and Mr Martin who is the Christchurch-based senior associate with Octa Associates Ltd and the project manager.

Mr Martin said technology and design parameters around pools were constantly evolving.

“What was best practice last year may have changed and it was important that local businesses could see how much the design and building technology in aquatic centres had evolved.”

He said a pool’s energy in both the construction input needed and ongoing operational requirements was related to water space, and as pools went, the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre was on a national scale.

“Because the designers and project managers are based out of town, the open day was a great opportunity for us to meet the local building industry and see how we can involve them.”

He said the businesses represented at the open day were capable and many had a national profile.

“I am impressed.”

Timaru District Council district services manager Ashley Harper, who also assisted at the open day, said he was delighted with the level of local interest shown.”

But he said any business unable to attend would not be at a disadvantage.

If business representatives were unable to attend but would like to register interest they could email michelle.jump@timdc.govt.nz with their business name and contact details, and a summary of the product or services they could provide. Hard copy could be mailed to Michelle Jump, Timaru District Council, P O Box 522, Timaru. He welcomed any other inquiries to 03 687 7200.

ENDS

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