Construction completed on New Brighton hot pools

The new hot pools facility He Puna Taimoana in New Brighton, a coastal suburb 8 kms east of Christchurch, has been blessed ahead of its official opening in the first weekend of April.

The blessing was led by Matapopore and Ngāi Tahu representatives Lynne-Harata Te Aika and  Te-Kaharoa Manihera and marks the end of the construction work on the new hot pools.

The opening of He Puna Taimoana is part of the regeneration of New Brighton and of Christchurch’s east with expectations for New Brighton to become Christchurch’s seaside village having great access to the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor and to the coast – all just 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre.

The hot pools have been developed by Development Christchurch Limited (DCL). They will be run by Christchurch City Council and will open to the public on Saturday 4 April.

There are five outdoor pools for year-round use, as well as a café, sauna and steam room.

DCL Chief Executive Rob Hall says the blessing was a significant occasion for those involved in the planning and construction of the facility and for local community representatives.

Hall advised “this has been an exceptional project for DCL to lead and I’d like to acknowledge the role played by all of our local leaders, community groups, individuals and businesses who’ve been integral to the project.

“We can all see that this is a magnificent place to be. When this facility officially opens to the public, we’ll be able to share that knowledge with the rest of the city and visitors from around New Zealand and around the world.

Christchurch City Councillor Phil Mauger, who represents the Burwood ward, sees the opening of the hot pools as a catalyst for action in the area.

Mauger added “I’ve got a lot of history in New Brighton; it was a wonderful place to grow up. When I was little we’d go to the whale pool all the time and I took my kids there. My grandfather and father had businesses here as well. We know the area needs a boost now and, thanks to the passion of the former Community Board and DCL, things are really starting to happen.

“This is the turning point. Work to concentrate the commercial centre and bring people to this end of the mall is up next and that will make a real difference for New Brighton.”

The entry fees for the hot pools will be decided by Christchurch City Council when it meets on Thursday 12th March.

Image courtesy of Christchurch City Council