Project summary
Hamilton’s largest pool and wellness complex, Waterworld will be undergoing upgrades to fix extensive fire damage, and outdated equipment and spaces.
It’s not enough that we just replace what we have with same thing we installed years ago, we need to bring the areas up to current standards that will also work for the future.
Waterworld receives around 400,000 visits annually and this investment is about looking after what we have and meet growing community demand and expectations.
This series of maintenance and upgrades includes:
- upgraded changing rooms
- flooring upgrades
- heat pump renewal to efficiently heat pools and the facility
- an improved function room
- an improved group fitness studio
- larger steam and sauna rooms
- a Pilates reformer space
- a cold plunge pool
- a bigger and better spa
- improved gate access past reception
- replaced weights and cardio equipment.
To complete the work on the main changing rooms, flooring and systems in the ceiling, Waterworld will be closed from 16 June - 13 July 2025.
Project features
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More options
Along with upgraded changing rooms, there will soon be family, gender neutral and accessible changing spaces. -
Repairing fire damage
The spa, sauna and steam rooms will all be upgraded following some fire damage in 2022. -
A better gym experience
A new layout for the different gym spaces with fit-for-purpose equipment, easier access, and more variety.
Where we're at
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Stage 1 - Planning
Stage 1
Planning how to make the most of the space available, what is outdated and what needs to be critically maintained. -
Stage 2 - Underway
Stage 2
Work kick-starts with the closure in June/July and with construction set to continue in parts to limit the impact on customers. -
Stage 3 - Completed
Stage 3
The full range of maintenance and upgrades are due to be completed before summer.
Frequently asked questions
When will you be closed?
The last day Waterworld will be open is Sunday 15 June. Waterworld will reopen on Monday 14 July.
What is happening during the closure?
The main work happening in the closure includes:
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upgraded changing rooms
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flooring upgrades
-
heat pump renewal to efficiently heat pools and the facility
-
an improved function room
-
a new group fitness studio.
This work is part of a bigger series of maintenance and upgrades at Waterworld this year which will include:
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larger steam and sauna rooms
-
a new Pilates reformer space
-
a new cold plunge pool
-
a bigger and better spa
-
improved gate access past reception
-
new weights and cardio equipment.
What will the new changing rooms look like?
The male and female changing rooms will be upgraded with new bathrooms, changing cubicles and improved ventilation. There will also be several smaller changing rooms will be added to meet family and accessible needs.
Will Waitai gym still be open during the closure?
No. All of Waterworld is closed during the closure to meet health and safety requirements during the construction and maintenance project. Waitai gym members can use Gallagher Aquatic Centre and attend group fitness classes at Beerescourt Bowling Club at no cost.
What does this mean for gym members?
We will suspend all payments for gym memberships – even if they decide to use Gallagher Aquatic Centre instead. We will arrange for a reduced group fitness timetable to continue at a Beerescourt Bowling Club and add some additional aquacise classes at Gallagher Aquatic Centre.
If there are any concerns with membership payments our team can help. Email aquaticscustomercare@hcc.govt.nz
What does this mean for learn to swim?
Swimming lessons will continue at Gallagher Aquatic Centre but customers enrolled at Waterworld will have payments suspended. Swimming lessons will start again in term 3 on Monday 16 July.
If there are any concerns with learn to swim payments our team can help. Email aquaticscustomercare@hcc.govt.nz
Do I have to arrange the suspension of my gym or learn to swim payments?
No. We take care of this so there is nothing for customers to do. If there are any concerns with learn to swim payments our team can help. Email aquaticscustomercare@hcc.govt.nz
Why was the sauna and steam room closed for so long?
To ensure we create the best of these spaces planning has been completed to renew the change rooms, spa, sauna, steam and adding additional facilities with pilates reformer, cold plunge, family and accessible change rooms rather than just replacing the sauna and steam with what we previously had.
When will the sauna and steam room re-open?
The new steam and sauna upgrades are planned for the second half of 2025. We will keep our customers up to date on re-opening timeframes as we progress through construction.
Why are you replacing the spa?
The spa is 24 years old and has been a much-utilised pool. It is time to upgrade it with a larger and more modern spa to improve customer experience.
Will the hydrotherapy pool close?
Yes, but only during the full facility closure (16 June – 13 July). When it reopens it will have had improvements made to is ceiling and flooring.
Is Gallagher Aquatic Centre still open?
Yes, GAC is still open as normal.
Feedback
Last updated 23 May 2025