WATCH | Second phase of Aqua Park project at St Charles College nears completion

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12-09-2025
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The Witness
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School principal Allen van Blerk said the pool's construction was unique as it sits on a concrete raft with no need for ground excavation

The second phase of the AquaPark project at St Charles College is nearing completion, with the Myrtha pool having arrived at Durban Harbour on September 4.

The roof of the five-phase, world-class facility is now complete, and glass roller doors have been installed on the north side of the building. The doors open to allow additional event seating, with the main pool arena offering 600 permanent seats and space for 400 more using temporary scaffolding.

Visitors will enter the AquaPark through a newly marked and accessible car park, passing a future warm-up pool and a learn-to-swim complex focused on water safety for both children and adults.

School principal Allen van Blerk confirmed that eight of the nine Myrtha cargo containers have cleared customs and should be en route to Pietermaritzburg.

“We’re hopeful the final container clears quickly so that the Myrtha installation team can begin work as scheduled on September 22,” he said.

“There are still challenges ahead, but the facility is already a visually stunning and functional space that will inspire swimmers of all levels — able-bodied, para and special athletes alike.”

Van Blerk said the pool’s construction was unique as it sits on a concrete raft with no need for ground excavation.

Stainless steel panels are anchored into the concrete, with a special lining added. The pool includes a state-of-the-art movable bulkhead that can glide across in just 12 minutes to convert the space into a 50m long-course pool — without needing to unhook lane ropes.

Most commonly, the pool will be configured as two 25m sections, allowing for simultaneous use for swimming and water polo training or matches.

“The facility is designed to host local and international competitions, water polo festivals, and to serve as a hub for training new coaches and officials to grow the sport across the province,” he said.

Construction work continues with curbs being laid and landscaping set to begin soon, he said, adding that indigenous plants and legally donated cycads would create a uniquely South African environment that welcomes international visitors and brings pride to the local aquatics community.

The facility, he said, would partially run on solar energy, and will include a backup generator alongside municipal power. Final decisions and installations are expected to be completed by the end of the month.

“In parallel, work with prospective sponsors is under way to support the growth of aquatics in South Africa and elevate our athletes to the world stage,” he said.

A new partnership with a Pietermaritzburg-based swimming organisation will be announced soon, further integrating the AquaPark into the national aquatics ecosystem

John Williamson, site agent for Robertson & Poole, the company contracted to build the AquaPark Pool, said the pool will hold about 2,5 million litres of water and would take 20 days to fill.