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YMCA Auckland has reopened its newly refurbished North Shore centre after nearly two years of extensive renovations. YMCA Auckland CEO John Fairhurst says that the North Shore centre facility became so successful that it outgrew its premises. |
“It is now the most successful community facility on the North Shore,” he says. “People were coming from all over Auckland to use the facilities, and we simply couldn’t accommodate them all. So, we decided it was time to expand.”
Funds for the centre upgrade came from revenue from the YMCA’s commercial arm. “The board decided to upgrade the facility to a tune of 3.5 million of the YMCA’s own money,” Fairhurst says. “That is what is unique about the YMCA. All the revenue we make we reinvest into community development, including upgrading our centres.”
The centre already leads the way in recreation services. Over 4,500 users use YMCA North Shore’s facilities every week. The centre’s wide range of community recreation activities includes preschool and school gymnastics, youth programmes, a large fitness centre, and extensive after hours soccer and basketball league, and the largest miniball programme in the country, with over 90 teams.
The project was spearheaded by Dean Rendle, YMCA Auckland’s Maintenance Manager. “Dean has a real flair for upgrading facilities,” says Fairhurst. “He leaves no stone unturned.”
Rendle says it was a challenge to renovate the centre while it was still operating. “In order to create minimal disruption, we split the project into stages,” he says. “In stage one, we built the exercise studio and board room and renovated the squash courts. In stage two, we demolished and rebuilt the fitness centre and changing rooms, constructing the new façade, roof, offices, rooms for physio and massage, and a new foyer. Stage three is the new changing rooms and showers.”
Top of the line materials and technology have been used throughout the refurbishment. The studio and aerobics room boasts a sprung floor, with new twenty thousand dollar surround sound speaker system. The LED lighting system in the ceiling is sound activated, changing to the beat of the music. “It will be perfect for aerobics and the still-growing latest fitness craze, Zumba,” Rendall says. “We took careful consideration of acoustics across the building, using a special acoustic lining for the walls.”
The YMCA team is particularly proud of the centre’s new changing rooms. “They are without doubt the best changing rooms of any leisure facility in the country,” Fairhurst says. “We have lined the walls with Italian tiles, and are installing top of the line bathroomware, granite bench tops and custom made furniture to suit the area,” Rendle says. “The changing rooms will be hotel grade.”
Sustainable building practices have been incorporated into the renovation. “The rubber flooring in the main fitness centre is made of 80 percent recycled car tyres,” Rendle says. “We’ve used it in YMCA facilities all over Auckland. It lasts for a good 25 years, unlike carpet which you have to replace after five.” Energy-saving Philips light bulbs have been used throughout the centre, thanks to a government-supported programme. “We’re one of the first fitness centres in the country to do this,” Rendle says.
Also on the visual side, Rendle add, “The Auckland YMCA has recently lead the way in a colour change in the Y Logo and the new black and red look is reflected throughout the centre along with some stunning colours and new branding ideas which provide vibrancy and interest”
“We are very excited about the future of YMCA North Shore,” Fairhurst says. “The refurbishment will help YMCA Auckland continue its role as the city’s leading provider of fitness, recreation, childcare, accommodation and sports.”