The developers behind the highly anticipated Waiwera Thermal Springs in Auckland are aiming for a 2028 opening date.The 1.7 hectare site on the Hibiscus Coast was once the country's largest water park, but after sitting abandoned for years, it was closed in 2018 and then demolished in 2023.On Tuesday, Waiwera Thermal Springs managing directors Brandon Batagol and Craig Mitchell announced the $58 million restoration project had been granted resource consent from Auckland Council.The proposed design included 28 geothermal, heated pools, saunas, landscaped gardens and pavilions, a café, and visitor parking.In a departure from the old Waiwera Hot Pools' slides, Waiwera Thermal Springs would have "adult-only zones" as well as areas for children.Waiwera said it would have cold-plunge, mist-walk and stone-walk rituals, bathing trails through native bush, and spa treatments for guests to enjoy.Construction was set to begin in 2027 for a mid-2028 opening.Mitchell said they were now hashing out the final details.A slide at the old pools before it wasd demolished in 2023. (File photo)Nick Monro"With Resource Consent secured, our focus now turns to securing the final portion of private investment required, along with completing the detailed design. From there we'll commence construction, keeping the community closely informed throughout the process."This is a carefully considered restoration of a place that matters to Aucklanders and of the relationship between people and the water that has drawn them here for generations."Batgol said getting to this point was a "significant milestone"."The progress reflects the commitment and quality of our team to deliver a new landmark attraction for the long term and generate sustainable benefit to the region."We have operated wellness destinations of this scale before, and we understand our target guest intimately and the experience we need to create for them, which has been invaluable in shaping a viable business offer for Waiwera."What the old site used to look like. (File photo)Nick MonroAn economic impact assessment by international financial advisory firm BDO projected the development could attract more than 310,000 visitors annually to the region and contribute up to $300 million in gross regional product over its first seven years of operating.Waiwera said the thermal springs were expected to create 87 jobs.