Newmarket Olympic pool marks 80 years with redevelopment plans

Celebrating a historic anniversary as it hits 80 years as an Auckland landmark and community hub, the operators of the Olympic Pool Newmarket have advised of proposed redevelopment plans which include introducing solar power and incorporating infrastructure that will reuse rainwater at the facility.

With the Olympic Pool having been part of the lives of generations of Aucklanders - whether it be for the serious business of learning to swim, keeping fit or just having fun - it will be opening its doors for free swimming on Sunday 23rd February from 10am to 3pm.

The Pool has been run subsidy free with the Auckland Council for 25 years in a unique public private partnership with the Olympic Pool and Fitness Centre. The last redevelopment was 15 years ago.

The pool was constructed in 1940 for the Empire Games, which were held in 1950 with the Second World War having intervened. Over the past eight decades the pool has hosted many international swimming events, rock concerts, boxing matches and film premieres including Once Were Warriors.

Commenting on the milestone, Olympic Pool and Fitness Centre Managing Director, John Fay stated “as guardians of the pool and the heritage of the pool we want to make sure that it is maintained and developed so that it is relevant and part of the community for many decades to come.”