The gongs keep coming for the Roxburgh Pool, which has won the public architecture category in Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ (NZIA) Southern awards and another national award in recent days.

NZIA described the pool as seamlessly blending practicality, sustainability, and sculptural design into the riverside facility for a small community in Central Otago.

Jurors said the simple geometry of the changing pavilion complemented the rugged Teviot Valley landscape, while the golden hue of the faceted screen served as a year-round reminder of autumn colours.

The pool also picked up a merit award in the tourism/recreation category in the Property Industry Awards in Auckland, and Teviot Valley ward councillor Sally Feinerman attended the event at Auckland’s Spark Arena on June 13. 

Sally said they were up against some pretty big projects so it was an outstanding result. 

Sally Feinerman at the Property Industry Awards event. Photo: Sally Feinerman Facebook  

Last October the pool, designed by Hierarchy Group, won gold in the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards in the 'private, public and institutional spaces/private development - up to $3M' category. 

The front facade of the pool. Photo: Lightforge 

Local firm Breen Construction, together with Coombes Aquatics, built the new 25m lane pool, learn to swim and toddlers' pool, replacing the 89-year-old facility that was decommissioned on the same site.

The Roxburgh Pool committee worked hard for 16 years navigating numerous finance, planning and design challenges to successfully fundraise the $3M needed for the project.

Since it opened the facility has had challenges attracting trained lifeguards, meaning that no one under 18 could swim there without an adult.

The ownership of the Roxburgh Pool and the future of the Alexandra Pool have been topics for long term plan consultation. 

At a special meeting in Roxburgh on May 22, the pool committee voted to vest the pool to Central Otago District Council (CODC), with handover set for July 1. 

Read more: Roxburgh Pool to vest in Council ownership.

CODC decided through the Long Term Plan (LTP) process that the Alexandra outdoor pool will be retained and reviewed in the 2027-37 LTP. 

The swimming season for both outdoor pools is from December to April.

Read more: Double funding boost for Teviot.

Read more: Council explains waste heat issue at pool.

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