Long-term plan change aims to ease St Albans concerns about pool

30 June 2006

Plans to develop the Christchurch’s network of public swimming pools and indoor aquatic leisure facilities was changed at today’s City Council meeting in an effort to ease concerns by some St Albans residents at the closure of the outdoor pool in the suburb.

The Aquatic Facilities Plan was formally adopted today as part of the City Council’s long-term community plan.

Councillors Graham Condon and Norm Withers got the Council’s approval to add an instruction that the organisation work in partnership with St Albans School and the local community to identify possible options for improving the usability and community access to the school’s pool.

“Norm and I spend half our lives trying to get new sporting and recreational facilities opened,” Cr Condon said. “We hate seeing things close. It’s a real shame the old Edgeware pool has to go but there’s really no option. It’s had it. Working with the school is the way forward; it’s an opportunity for the school and community to be involved, with the Council’s support.”

Today’s decision includes a direction that the staff identify the costs of any change which would allow the community greater access to the school pool. The Council would consider using some of the proceeds from the sale of the Edgeware pool land to meet those costs.

The Aquatic Facilities Plan includes a city-wide determination to do more to help school’s keep their pools open and attractive. The plan’s first major project is the construction of a new indoor pool and sports hall to be built on ground at Papanui High School. The plan will be reviewed in five years. That will ensure its priorities continue to fit city growth.

● For details of the Aquatic Facilities Plan’s implementation, look here and read from p26

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