Wednesday, Jan 8, 2020
Since Sept 27, 1879
Retail $2.20 Home delivered from $1.40
THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY
Hot pools work begins Above – Methven’s Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa contractor John Harmer and director Andrew Cartwright.
Summer school sizzles P4
PHOTO HEATHER MCKENZIE 070120-HM-0024
Left – Developed design aerial view showing the solar array located along on the south boundary (Methven-side) of the site.
By Susan Sandys
Susan.s@theguardian.co.nz
Injured in explosion
P2
Bathing in a hot pool with mountain views and swim-up bar sounds enticing, and soon Mid Canterbury residents and visitors will be able to do just that. The $15 million Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa is on track to open by the end of the year, following site work beginning this week. Construction of the first structure, a 260-metre-square pump house, will commence early next month, which will be followed by the main building and pools throughout the site, as well as a large area of solar panels. Methven Adventures director James McKenzie said it was fantastic to see work begin this week. “There’s so much planning that goes into a venture like this,” McKenzie said. “Everything is tracking really well and work has started on schedule.” Top soil has been removed and stockpiled for later use, while site contouring
is to begin shortly. The aim will be to source materials and services locally wherever possible, and minimise emissions. Most of the material used for landscaping will come from on-site. Meanwhile, there will be more than 500m sq of bathing paradise awaiting Methven residents and visitors when the hot pools open. Adult bathing, for 18 years and over ,is situated on the west side of the main building. This comprises the urban pool and river pool. The urban pool is accessed via steps or an accessible ramp directly from the changing rooms, and this is where you will find a swim-up bar and be able to access the pool-side food and beverage service. There is a short channel under a bridge that leads from the urban pool to the river pool, which contains more secluded seating in alcoves among cave features. The family bathing
area lies to the north of the main building. The family area contains three pools, including a jump pool and crazy river for kids, an observation pool from where parents can observe their children from warmer water, and a larger family pool that offers a sloped/beach entry, alcoves and more caves. There are also six private pools around the edge of the lake, accommodating up to four adults each. Various embankments and water features will serve to protect the pools from the prevailing winds and reduce noise transfer between the family and adult areas. The pools will be heated by a large solar thermal array located on the south side of the site. “There may be a few tweaks to the layout as we progress through the final stages of detailed design, but we are almost there,” McKenzie said.
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