Blue Baths

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Blue Baths
Blue Baths in Rotorua 02.jpg
Blue Baths
General information
StatusTemporarily closed
Architectural style Spanish Mission style
Location 38°08′10″S176°15′27″E / 38.13611°S 176.25750°E / -38.13611; 176.25750 Coordinates: 38°08′10″S176°15′27″E / 38.13611°S 176.25750°E / -38.13611; 176.25750
Address Government Gardens
Town or city Rotorua
CountryNew Zealand
Technical details
Structural systemReinforced concrete
Design and construction
Architect(s) John Thomas Mair
Known forGeothermal baths
Designated25 June 1992
Reference no. 5394

The Blue Baths is a heritage geothermal baths building in Rotorua, in the North Island of New Zealand. The building is designed in the Spanish Mission style. It is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand.

The first Blue Baths at the Government Gardens site were opened in 1886, and stood for over 40 years before being demolished in 1932 when the present building was constructed alongside. [1]

Construction of the new building was well advanced by August 1932. [2]

On 26 January 2021, the Blue Baths was closed to the public after a seismic assessment found the building met only 15 percent of the strength requirements for new buildings. [3] [4] [5] [6]

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References

  1. "Historic Rotorua Bath - Demolition Proceeding - Opened 40 years ago". Manawatu Standard. 31 October 1932. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023 via Papers Past.
  2. "Rotorua Blue Bath - Progress on New Building". New Zealand Herald. 30 August 1932. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023 via Papers Past.
  3. "Blue Baths, Queens Drive, Government Gardens, Rotorua - Detailed Seismic Assessment Report" (PDF). Tonkin + Taylor. 12 April 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023 via Rotorua Lakes Council.
  4. Desmarais, Felix (7 January 2023). "Rotorua's Blue Baths left in a 'staggering' state after closure". RNZ. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  5. "Detailed Seismic Assessment completed on Rotorua Blue Baths". Rotorua Lakes Council. 30 June 2021. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  6. "Blue Baths update". Rotorua Lakes Council. 25 August 2022. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.