Khandallah Pool to remain closed for 2026/27 summer season

Khandallah Pool will not re-open for the 2026/27 summer season as preparations continue for the refurbishment project and construction moves closer.

The decision has been made to support the next phase of the project, including site surveys, investigations and enabling works required ahead of construction, which is currently planned to start February 2027. 

The existing facility has also recently sustained storm-related damage and may require

repairs to enable operation for another summer season. Given the existing pool is planned to be demolished and replaced as part of the refurbishment project, undertaking repairs for short-term use would represent poor value for money and could delay progress toward construction. 

Starting construction in February 2027 will allow the project to take advantage of favourable weather conditions and help optimise the overall construction programme timeframe. 

Councillor Diane Calvert, Chair of Te Taurapa Council Planning and Finance Committee, says it’s great to see work starting this year after a long campaign by the community to save the pool. 

“The pool is over 100 years and has only had one major upgrade in its history, back in the 1960s. This is more than a community pool, it is treasured by locals and used by people across the city as it forms the gateway up to Mt Kaukau, one of the most popular tracks in Wellington,” says Councillor Calvert.  

Chief Operating Officer James Roberts says the decision will be disappointing for some residents, but it is an important step in delivering the refurbished facility as requested with feedback during community engagement. 

“We know the 101-year-old Khandallah Pool is a much-loved community facility and that many people were looking forward to seeing it re-open this coming summer, but the project is now moving into a critical phase.  

“Keeping the site closed will allow us to complete the investigations and preparatory work needed ahead of construction, and avoid investing in repairs to facilities that are due to be replaced.” 

As agreed by Council in the Annual Plan, the project will proceed with the option to remediate the swimming pool within a budget of $7.5m, as identified in the technical review completed in 2024/25.  

This delivers on Council’s Triennium Plan agreement to uphold the Long-term Plan commitment Khandallah Pool with funding for the lower-cost refurbishment option. 

The planned refurbishment project will deliver an improved facility for the Khandallah community and help support the pool's long-term future. 

 

The community is invited to view the designs at a public meeting with the project team at Khandallah Town Hall from 5.45PM - 7PM on Tuesday 1 September.