Tepid Baths to close in May next year

95-year-old building to shut in 2010: Council has set aside $12 million for the redevelopment of the Tepid Baths in 2012/13.

From City Scene, published on 22 November, 2009.

Auckland City Council has regretfully announced the decision to close the CBD's Tepid Baths in May next year.

Independent engineering reports commissioned by the council have identified that the 95-year-old 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 at a far faster pace than anticipated - and as a result public safety may be compromised in the near future.

"It is with regret that we will have to enforce an extended closure of this much-loved facility. However, in the interests of public safety, it is our only feasible option," says Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

The engineering reports have indicated that the building is still safe for users for six-to-nine months from October 2009, and have recommended monitoring every three months.

Over the next six months, the council will be working closely with the operators of the facility, YMCA, in the lead-up to its closure in May 2010.

The council has set aside $12 million for the redevelopment of the Tepid Baths in 2012/13. This is the earliest work is likely to occur because of the engineering involved in detailed planning for the upgrade, and the heritage constraints that need to be considered through consenting the works.

"Our intention is to preserve this wonderful heritage building and re-open it again in 2014, in time for its 100th birthday," says Councillor Moyle.

John Fairhurst, YMCA Auckland chief executive, says the YMCA is committed to 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," says John.