Olympic level AquaPark nears key construction milestone

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22-05-2025
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The Witness
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AquaPark chief executive Theo Verster said the bold new vision for swimming, water polo and para-sport was becoming a reality.

Pietermaritzburg’s AquaPark development at St Charles College has moved from concept to physical reality, with construction now at a critical phase and the Olympic-standard Myrtha pool set to arrive later this year.

The multi-million rand, world-class aquatics centre was unveiled at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) annual gala dinner last year.

AquaPark chief executive Theo Verster said the bold new vision for swimming, water polo and para-sport was becoming a reality.

“This is about creating access and opportunity for all South Africans. From grassroots to high-performance, AquaPark will be a place where champions are made, where para-athletes and school teams train side-by-side, and where swimming becomes a part of every child’s journey,” said Verster.

He said the project, formerly known as the South African Aquatics Park (SAAP), has undergone a strategic rebrand to AquaPark — a simpler, more inclusive identity designed to reflect the facility’s purpose and impact.

Verster said at the heart of the development was the Myrtha competition pool, which is manufactured in Italy and used in 14 Olympic and World Championship venues around the world.

“Unlike traditional concrete pools, the Myrtha system uses modular stainless-steel panels laminated with PVC, offering fast installation, exceptional durability, and reduced maintenance.

The 52,5m pool features a movable bulkhead, allowing it to quickly shift from a single Olympic-length format to two 25m pools — a game-changer for training, water polo matches, and multi-event competitions

The shipping of the pool components will begin in July, with installation commencing on September 25. Verster said the facility will be ready for filling and testing by November, with full handover of the pool system expected by December 10, 2025.

“The pool is just one piece of the five-phase development plan, which also includes learn-to-swim pools, a gymnasium, hospitality areas, and warm-up facilities. Construction is moving rapidly through phase 2.

“The base slab is complete, plant rooms are in place, and the roof structure is scheduled for completion by September. The project remains on track to be operational by the end of 2025, with pilot events and training blocks planned for early 2026,” he said.

He said with construction progressing, the AquaPark team was actively seeking corporate sponsors, philanthropic donors, and aligned NGOs to support final development phases.

“Opportunities include naming rights, event partnerships, funding for learn-to-swim initiatives, and support for para-sport programmes. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar.

“It’s about changing the landscape of aquatics in this country. And we’re inviting South Africa to help us finish strong,” said Verster.

St Charles College contributed initial funding of R18 million from its capital expenditure budget and has made land available for the project. College principal Allen van Blerk said the school has invested years into making the vision a reality.

“This is no longer a concept on paper — it’s becoming a physical landmark, and it will transform how South Africans access, train, and compete in aquatics.

The facility also anchors the larger Xhawula Precinct, a long-term development vision for the region that includes wellness, sport, education, and infrastructure upliftment

“For families, it means access to safe, high-quality swimming education. For athletes, it’s a high-performance base on par with international training centres,” said Van Blerk.