Energy upgrades at Aquatic facilities

What we're currently working on

Now that the projects have been approved by Council we’re moving out of the planning phase and into detailed design with the main work scheduled for 2027.

Here is what we’re working on now:

• Detailed design to be finalised in early 2027

• Early ordering the main heat-pump equipment as it is specialised equipment that is built to order and may take some time to arrive

• Procurement planning to appoint an appropriate contractor to complete the works

• Finalising timings and project deliverables in 2027

What's coming next

There are a few key items before the end of 2026 which we’re working on right now. The next step of the project is to finalise the design of the heating solutions and order the heat pump plant.

Why are we doing this? 

The upgrades are about getting our pools off fossil-fuel heating and onto cleaner, cheaper energy for the future. This will have several benefits:

• Expected energy cost savings every year of over $700,000 (savings will vary based on energy pricing)

• Reduced emissions at an estimated 1,080 tonnes of CO2 a year (across Alpine Aqualand and Wānaka Recreation Centre)

• Reduce our reliance on LPG, which supports Council’s climate commitments and keeps operating costs down over time