Centennial Pool
Christchurch, New Zealand

Vic Davies Architect Ltd. was contracted by a local New Zealand firm to provide specialist pool consultant services for the design development, working drawings, and specifications for the pools at this facility.

Vic Davies visited New Zealand for the first time in 1989 as a guest speaker at an Australasian Pool Managers Conference in Christchurch to give a presentation on the evolution and development of leisure pools in Canada. On returning home the fax became “red hot” with New Zealand cities and towns asking for further information on how to increase the profitability of aquatic facilities by leisurising them.

It has been a relatively slow process since that initial presentation in 1989, but with the success of the New Plymouth facility, many more cities are now looking for the “magic formula.”

The City of Christchurch undertook the construction of not just one but two new aquatic facilities, Centennial Pool and Pioneer Sports Centre, both opening within days of each other.

Centennial Pool incorporates many of the features that have proven so successful in other facilities. The lazy river, vortex, and bubble pit can be used for physical therapy as well as for play. A variety of water sprays add interest and play opportunities.

The interior design of this pool was developed by the local New Zealand architect in conjunction with the Christchurch City Council.