Pools a step closer
The city’s north has the best case to be home to Christchurch’s next new indoor community pool and recreation facility, according to a progress report from a City Council staff team working on new aquatic leisure facilities.
The staff reported to city councillors and community board members at a seminar last month. Included was information displayed in map form from census data, Council-commissioned research and material provided by other pool providers such as schools and private operators.
A full report... is expected to go before the Council for a decision later this month.
In their presentation, recreation facilities manager John Filsell and policy unit team leader Alan Bywater suggested that Papanui, in the north of the city, be the first site of a new pool facility and that the building design process begin in the year from 1 July 2006. They said there is strong potential for a partnership arrangement with Papanui High School and for some financial support from the neighbouring mall operator.
Recommended is a facility with a 25m lane pool, a children’s pool, spa and some kind of recreation feature. In today’s dollars, it would be expected to cost $5-$6 million.
Suggested priorities two and three — in the west and the east — are for pool projects which would begin in 10-to-12 years. Staff suggested these priorities be reviewed in about five years.
The staff update also included recommendations about the future of several older outdoor pools. A full report, incorporating suggestions made by elected members at the seminar, is expected to go before the Council for a decision later this month.
Once that decision is taken, it is likely that the staff will send the proposal to the community boards, stakeholders and other interested groups and individuals for their comment. After considering that feedback, a draft aquatic facilities plan will be compiled for the Council to consider for adoption in December.
That draft plan would be open for full public consultation as one element of the City Council’s next (2006-16) draft long-term community plan, which will be finalised and adopted before June next year. |
