New swimming pool Castlebar

6541

Okay not going to be popular calling this out but I am calling it out. The new swimming pool in Castlebar is a joke, we are two years into construction, I hear serious building errors happened, like levels incorrect, problems with contractors etc. I think it is about time we get a report on this.

It is a joke that they did not have the foresight to build a 50 meter pool, please, please tell me that the construction is modular and in the future they will have the ability to construct another 25 meters on to that building.

Westernyelp

Joke for sure. It's still a long way off. I believe there will be an option to extend the pool. At least some lanes

godskitchen

Apparently it will be extendable, will never happen though.

It was started just in time for the last general election (draw your own conclusions) , that tower crane was sitting idle for months and months.

irishgeo

Someone needs to get on to Michael kilcoyne

Dudda

I would love for Castlebar to have a 50m pool but it doesn't make financial sense. While building a larger pool isn't a massive additional cost or issue it's the long term cast that's the problem. The running costs for a 25m pool are high but manageable but the running costs for a 50m pool are massive. It's not like it's twice the cost as it's twice the length. While a 50m pool would have a huge catchment area it wouldn't come close to the running cost required. The shortfall would have to be made up by the council and that would mean higher rates for local businesses. It's just not worth it. Again building a larger pool isn't a problem.

Westernyelp

I'm hearing some very bad things about this project. Budget over runs, major features being mothballed and even more delays on the way

irishgeo

Westernyelp wrote: »

I'm hearing some very bad things about this project. Budget over runs, major features being mothballed and even more delays on the way

i heard the same thing.

Lets hope they actually build the pool bit

6541

What Major feature is mothballed ?

Westernyelp

6541 wrote: »

What Major feature is mothballed ?

The climbing wall, which was to be the centre piece of the adventure building and the Boat access to Lough Lannagh, wouldnt be surprised to see the site closing for an extended period either

irishgeo

Westernyelp wrote: »

The climbing wall, which was to be the centre piece of the adventure building and the Boat access to Lough Lannagh, wouldnt be surprised to see the site closing for an extended period either

Who is the developer?

naughto

I heard the developer went in so low to get the contract that he will be in bother with this over run and fu1ck ups

6541

That is a real shame

Mickeroo

Hadn't realised there was going to be a climbing wall,real shame if it doesn't happen. Having it right next to the college would have been great too.

Dudda

naughto wrote: »

I heard the developer went in so low to get the contract that he will be in bother with this over run and fu1ck ups

Depends on who messed up and what’s happened. eg if the council messed up in some element of the design or detail and need it changed it will result in a 'change order' which the contractor will be paid well for. Get enough good change orders and you can turn an undercut project into a very profitable job. What the hell is wrong anyway? Must be a big problem if they’re removing a climbing wall and boat house to offset the cost. I've little faith in the council architects running a council project paid by the council, built by a contractor which in the end will be managed and run by the council.

edit:
some info on the builder, contract, price (original not current price), etc
http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/content/corporate/english/general/procurement-over-%E2%82%AC10-million/sports-capital-mayo-county-council-procurement-information.pdf

Architects, engineers and builders named at the official signing.
http://www.castlebar.ie/photos/tom-campbell/New-Swimming-Pool-Complex.shtml

Westernyelp

From what I'm hearing. There has been big screw ups on the contractors side.

Green&Red

Looking at that article the only contractors I know are Moran Electrical and I can vouch for them as a reputable firm. Would not be the type to undercut a contract to get it and carry out excellent work.

I wouldn't like to see them tarred with the same brush as other contractors

irishgeo

The roof looks complete anyway

Connacht

I was told over xmas that there's a major problem with the concrete floor, that it was poured unevenly or too high and that they've been "sanding" it like you would a wooden floor to try to get the level even or lowered (not sure which).
By the way, am gobsmacked not to see solar panels on the roof of such a huge new building, or am I wrong? Surely that has to be in public building specs nowadays ...

irishgeo

Connacht wrote: »

I was told over xmas that there's a major problem with the concrete floor, that it was poured unevenly or too high and that they've been "sanding" it like you would a wooden floor to try to get the level even or lowered (not sure which).
By the way, am gobsmacked not to see solar panels on the roof of such a huge new building, or am I wrong? Surely that has to be in public building specs nowadays ...

for heating what? solar panels barely heat a copper hot water cylinder. not going to much use for heating the pool water?

Connacht

they don't have to be used to heat water.

irishgeo

Councillors still moaning about a 50m pool. You couldn't afford it lads with all the money you waste everywhere.

Westernyelp

irishgeo wrote:

Councillors still moaning about a 50m pool. You couldn't afford it lads with all the money you waste everywhere.

The cant afford to finish the plan they have it seems. Same old story

Westernyelp

Still not open

naughto

How long is the building work going on now for?

irishgeo

The sod turning was the 16th of May 2016. So 2 years. Not bad only a hlyear behind schedule. Love to know how much it all cost. A freedom of information request would be interesting.

Xenji

irishgeo wrote: »

The sod turning was the 16th of May 2016. So 2 years. Not bad only a hlyear behind schedule. Love to know how much it all cost. A freedom of information request would be interesting.

The work was due to commence in November 2015 but had to be delayed due to inclement weather conditions, so it's really been nearly 33 months now.

PARlance

Westernyelp wrote: »

Still not open

Drove up to it yesterday evening. Looking finished from the outside but still a lot of work to be done inside from the looks of it.

ClaptonBay

a great insight into the timing of when it will open....
http://www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2018/07/16/4158968-minister-questioned-over-delay-with-new-swimming-pool-opening/

PARlance

ClaptonBay wrote: »

a great insight into the timing of when it will open....
http://www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2018/07/16/4158968-minister-questioned-over-delay-with-new-swimming-pool-opening/

A great insight?

Here's the article in full to save anyone else the hassle.

"MAYO TD Lisa Chambers has quizzed the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross on the status of the Castlebar swimming pool project, when it is due to open and the reason for the delay in completion.

In response, the Minister said: “In October 2015, Mayo County Council was given a formal allocation of €3.8 million for the replacement swimming pool.

"In addition, a Sports Capital Programme allocation of €3.9 million was approved for dry facilities. Construction commenced in 2016, is ongoing and is expected to be completed later this year.”"

irishgeo

Really narrows it down

ClaptonBay

PARlance wrote: »

ClaptonBay wrote: »

a great insight into the timing of when it will open....
http://www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2018/07/16/4158968-minister-questioned-over-delay-with-new-swimming-pool-opening/

A great insight?

Here's the article in full to save anyone else the hassle.

"MAYO TD Lisa Chambers has quizzed the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross on the status of the Castlebar swimming pool project, when it is due to open and the reason for the delay in completion.

In response, the Minister said: “In October 2015, Mayo County Council was given a formal allocation of €3.8 million for the replacement swimming pool.

"In addition, a Sports Capital Programme allocation of €3.9 million was approved for dry facilities. Construction commenced in 2016, is ongoing and is expected to be completed later this year.”"

Sarcasm my friend....

UsBus

Any heard anything about this opening yet...? I see it's still closed off with a bit of work to complete. Am looking forward to trying it out..

irishgeo

UsBus wrote: »

Any heard anything about this opening yet...? I see it's still closed off with a bit of work to complete. Am looking forward to trying it out..

Latest is opening in phases. Pool bit opening first. End of November /early December

Dudda

So I got a two hour tour of the new Swimming on Saturday. It was open for anyone who registered as part of a ‘Architecture at the Edge’ tour which is kinda like an open house festival for Mayo/Galway/Clare. It was mostly swimming club members and a few architects at it I think.

Anyway... the architect doesn’t know when it’s going to open. He said, and I quote, ‘99% sure it will open before Christmas’. The trouble now is with two items from what understand. Management of the facility and building sign off which is BCAR. The BCAR I’ve dealt with and is manageable if you know what your at however I don’t think the council do.

I’ve decided to write a little review as its such a big deal locally. You can skip to the attached photos below if you want.
The pool itself isn’t bad. It’s very functional. At other pools and leisure centers they feel more comfortable while this feels more cheap and designed around what’s easy to clean. It’s a big tilled hall with a hole filled with water. It really doesn’t feel inviting or well designed. It’s definitely a functional pool and not an inviting leisure facility.
The part I was most impressed about is what nobody will see. The underground plant area where the boilers are, the water filter tanks, pumps, heating controls, chemical controls, etc is massive. I was shocked at the underground maze of huge corridors and equipment to run a pool. I can see how that would take a while (not as long as it took but would add to the construction time).
They have a ‘changing village’ which has lockers, changing rooms and showers. It’s unisex with no male and female changing. It has group changing rooms which are cleverly divided for mixed primary schools but also linked for supervision. The group rooms can also be used by teams, etc. Disabled and wheelchair facilities are also very good. The thing I really dislike about this area is the colours. It’s very dark (no windows or natural light due to privacy) and very dark coloured tiles. Then you’ve crazy bright green and orange. Some may like the colours, I don’t.
The changing lead onto the main pool which is a 25m pool that 1.1meters deep at the shallow end. This I was told is deeper than the 0.9meters traditionally at a shallow end to allow turning in competitions. They have a learning or kids pool which goes from 0.6m to 0.9m and has a full ramp into the pool for wheelchairs.
A sauna and steam room which would probably hold 20 each at a squeeze are just off the main pool area. It also has a viewing gallery which looks very uncomfortable as you sit on a tiled bench rather than a seat.
Upstairs is a dance/multi-purpose room with a dividable wall and sprung timber floor. This would be great for dancing / aerobics / meetings/ book launches / anything really.
Also upstairs is another much larger area which I think is the gym (currently empty). It also has a sprung timber floor and another more solid floor area for weights. They’ll have all the exercise equipment like bikes, treadmills, etc here. This has nice views over the lake. Upstairs they have smaller ‘dry’ changing rooms for the gym. It has showers but it’s wet room designed like the swimming pool changing village.
The building also has meeting rooms, staff area and all the other bits you’d expect.

Dudda

Another reply with additional photos (max was 5 per post). Should have renamed the ones in the first post to make it easier to know what was what.

PARlance

All looks a little underwhelming... or is that just me. I'm not sure what I expected tbh, but a little more WOW factor than that.

Dudda

PARlance wrote: »

All looks a little underwhelming... or is that just me. I'm not sure what I expected tbh, but a little more WOW factor than that.

That's exactly what I was trying to get across in my short summary. It's functional but not inviting or inspiring. I feel it was a massively missed opportunity to create something special or WOW.

It will be very busy when it opens out of people's interest and curiosity and probably continue into the new year as people try and loose Christmas weight as is usual in January and February so will be considered a huge success by local papers and politicians. In reality it will die down a bit then when the initial interest fades.

Next general election we'll have every candidate claim they helped deliver the this world class facility.

degsie

Think yourselves lucky. Lucan (Dublin) has been crying out for a pool for years. Castlebar population is around 11K, Lucan is around 50K

naughto

It looks very industrial to me but then again its better than the old one. What will be come of that?

Is there anything happening with the horkans restaurant on mainstreet it’s a long time going no where

Westernyelp

naughto wrote:

Is there anything happening with the horkans restaurant on mainstreet it’s a long time going no where

Trouble securing contractor

Jameswhalley

PARlance wrote: »

All looks a little underwhelming... or is that just me. I'm not sure what I expected tbh, but a little more WOW factor than that.

The wow factor will be at the checkout

You'll be paying double what you were for a swim

6541

Jameswhalley wrote: »

The wow factor will be at the checkout

You'll be paying double what you were for a swim

That is a key point - If they do that people will continue to use pools in Westport.
Go to any of the pools in Westport at any time of day and you will find a good smattering of Castlebar people.
Load of Castlebar people have membership of hotel gyms etc.

B-D-P--

degsie wrote: »

Think yourselves lucky. Lucan (Dublin) has been crying out for a pool for years. Castlebar population is around 11K, Lucan is around 50K

Yes, yes we are very lucky compared to all the facilities in Lucan....
In fact lets not bother getting any more money off the government, and make sure it ALL stays in dublin from now, forget about the rest of us.

Asmodean

As someone who's only recently moved relocated here in the last couple of years I have to say the swimming pool has become something of a joke to me; I think its ridiculous. I'm no stranger to unfinished white elephants having lived in a good few places with similarly abysmally planned projects ,but it was such a huge focus for the town and the only real development of its kind in the area so it stands out like such a sore thumb.

Such a shame too, the lake is absolutely stunning as a local amenity, I'm constantly blown away by it.

degsie

B-D-P-- wrote: »

Yes, yes we are very lucky compared to all the facilities in Lucan....
In fact lets not bother getting any more money off the government, and make sure it ALL stays in dublin from now, forget about the rest of us.

Where do I sign?

lostcat

Dudda wrote: »

...... The trouble now is with two items from what understand. Management of the facility and building sign off which is BCAR......

if there is a delay in getting the building signed off for BCAR it may well mean that something doesn't comply or someone won't sign off on something, it might not be a quick fix at all.

AllForIt

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2018/12/14/4166612-andy-morans-firm-secures-gym-tenancy-of-new-mayo-leisure-facility/

I don't believe this. I thought the gym would be run by the council not by a private enterprise giving the town another option to the 2 main gyms i.e Castle Leisure gym and The Movement, neither of which I want to rejoin. I attended a council run gym in London and it was cheap and cheerful. You could pay as you go and the membership option was considerably cheaper than private gyms.

I just don't understand this. If the council are providing the equipment when why would they need The Movement to run it. All they need to do is employ a few trainers?

Also they say it's going to be ready in the first quarter of 2019. I wouldn't bank on that either.

irishgeo

AllForIt wrote: »

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2018/12/14/4166612-andy-morans-firm-secures-gym-tenancy-of-new-mayo-leisure-facility/

I don't believe this. I thought the gym would be run by the council not by a private enterprise giving the town another option to the 2 main gyms i.e Castle Leisure gym and The Movement, neither of which I want to rejoin. I attended a council run gym in London and it was cheap and cheerful. You could pay as you go and the membership option was considerably cheaper than private gyms.

I just don't understand this. If the council are providing the equipment when why would they need The Movement to run it. All they need to do is employ a few trainers?

Also they say it's going to be ready in the first quarter of 2019. I wouldn't bank on that either.

if it ever opens. its q1 2019 now.

Asmodean

AllForIt wrote: »

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2018/12/14/4166612-andy-morans-firm-secures-gym-tenancy-of-new-mayo-leisure-facility/

I don't believe this. I thought the gym would be run by the council not by a private enterprise giving the town another option to the 2 main gyms i.e Castle Leisure gym and The Movement, neither of which I want to rejoin. I attended a council run gym in London and it was cheap and cheerful. You could pay as you go and the membership option was considerably cheaper than private gyms.

I just don't understand this. If the council are providing the equipment when why would they need The Movement to run it. All they need to do is employ a few trainers?

Also they say it's going to be ready in the first quarter of 2019. I wouldn't bank on that either.

I have to agree there. It’s definitely excluding a lot of people by going down that route. I’ve looked into The movement before and it’s prices are too high. I think you’re paying a bit extra there for feeling like you’re part of the elite. I’ve heard from a lot of people too that it’s a pretty intimidating gym to attend if you’re not super in shape already, which defeats the whole purpose really.

AllForIt

I'm highly inclined to object to this. But the Con Tel report isn't completely clear about what is happening. What I'm wondering is is The Movement moving down from it's current location or will they run 2 venues concurrently. Hardly the latter but as I said the report isn't clear on this.

I would really like some advice on how to go about finding out exactly what is going on if anyone could help. I'm be happy to speak to a councillor to get clarification and even voice my objection if after clarification it's warranted.

Westernyelp

AllForIt wrote:

I'm highly inclined to object to this. But the Con Tel report isn't completely clear about what is happening. What I'm wondering is is The Movement moving down from it's current location or will they run 2 venues concurrently. Hardly the latter but as I said the report isn't clear on this.

The two locations will remain. Original one will concentrate on classes and Lough lannagh will be more of a traditional gym from what I understand