Closure of Tepid Baths

18 November 2009

It is with great regret that Auckland City Council will be temporarily closing the Tepid Baths in six months due to the significant structural issues facing the 95 year-old building.

Independent engineering reports commissioned by the council have identified that the building is in poor condition, which is to be expected given its age and use as a public baths facility. However, the deterioration is rapidly accelerating and as a result public safety may be compromised in the near future.

Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, says closure of the Tepid Baths has been a difficult decision, but given the substantial decay of the building, the council has no choice.

"It is with regret that we will have to enforce a temporary but long term closure of this much-loved facility. However in the interests of public safety, an interim closure of the Tepid Baths is the only feasible option while we fix the structural issues."

The engineering reports have indicated that the building is still safe for users for 6 to 9 months from October 2009, and have recommended three month monitoring during this period.

Auckland City Council and the operators of the facility, YMCA, have agreed to a public closure of the facility in May 2010.

Over the next six months, the council will be working closely with the YMCA to make arrangements for the wellbeing of staff as well as relocation of existing members.

$12 million has been set aside by the council for redevelopment of the facility in 2012/13.

This is the earliest work is likely to occur because of the engineering involved in detailed planning for the redevelopment and the heritage constraints that need to be considered through consenting the works.

"Given the timing associated with planning and consenting for the redevelopment of the building, our intention is to preserve this wonderful heritage building and reopen it again in 2014 in time for its 100th birthday," says Mr Moyle.

John Fairhurst, YMCA Auckland chief executive, says the YMCA is committed to the staff welfare as well as providing alternative options for users.

"We will be looking at what options are available for members and users of the Tepid Baths to minimise disruption as much as possible."

The YMCA has successfully managed the Tepid Baths since 1997 and during this time have initiated a number of positive improvements for customers, including extending the mezzanine floor. The current structural deficiencies are in no way a reflection of the YMCA's maintenance responsibilities for their operation of the facility, but due to the way in which the building was originally constructed.

During their tenure the YMCA has also made available a number of new services to the community. They established a popular health and wellness centre at the facility and provide many community programmes. An example is the partnership with Future Dreams Swim School.

"The council values the very positive relationship we have with the YMCA. Over the past 12 years that they have managed the facility, we have received excellent feedback from customers about the service they provide," says Mr Moyle.

The Tepid Baths was built in 1914, and is scheduled in the District Plan as a Category A heritage building and registered with the NZ Historic Places Trust as Category II.

The building's Category II heritage status protects the Tepid Baths from total or substantial demolition.