Plans unveiled to redevelop Pioneer Leisure Centre

11 March 2008

Christchurch City Council last night unveiled plans to redevelop areas of Pioneer Leisure Centre.

For some time a lack of space has been impacting on Pioneer’s ability to provide its members with an adequate service in the Fitness Centre and Aerobics Room, says Council Recreation and Sports Manager John Filsell.

"Aerobics, pilates and yoga classes are at capacity and there is a lack of space to enable the Centre to expand these services to offer new classes and better meet the community’s needs."

He says Fitness Centre members are cancelling memberships, being turned off using the facility because of crowding and having to wait to use equipment.

Meanwhile, during the last decade there has been a dramatic fall-off in the popularity of squash, this being reflected in the continually declining numbers using the three courts at Pioneer.

"There is poor daily use of the squash courts; on average about 25 players use the facilities after 5pm on weekdays. This compares with a daily average of more than 450 customers through the Fitness Centre and Aerobics Room."

The double-height area occupied by the three existing squash courts is to be re-allocated to allow Pioneer to expand its Fitness Centre and the number and type of classes offered through the Aerobics Room.

The redeveloped Fitness Centre will have expanded cardio, weights and stretching areas; there will be a Mind-Body Room for group exercise, a Spinning Studio and ground floor physiotherapy clinic.

Mr Filsell says this is stage two of the re-theming of Pioneer and will enable the Leisure Centre to realise the Community Outcomes under the Council’s Long Term Council Community Plan.

"To realise these outcomes, Council’s Leisure Centres need to continually review operations and services to meet changing customer expectations and provide facilities for a healthy, active lifestyle."

He says Council will work with regular users of the squash courts to find suitable alternative venues where they can continue to pursue their sport.

Work will begin on site in mid-May and take four months to complete.

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