Construction to start on Kapiti Coast's new aquatic centre

Construction of Kapiti Coast District Council's new Coastlands Aquatic Centre is set to commence early next month.

Before Christmas, the Council voted unanimously for an overall project budget of $21 million, awarding the $15.047 million building contract to Mainzeal Construction Ltd.

Facilities at the Paraparaumu venue, which is to be called Coastlands Aquatic Centre under a 10-year deal with a local shopping centre, will include a 25 x 25 x 2.4 metre multi-use pool with moveable floor; a learners' pool; a toddlers' pool; a spa; sauna and a hydroslide.

Meanwhile, it is hoped that a second stage will include a 50 metre Olympic pool with moveable bulkhead; a hydrotherapy pool; and a second hydroslide. The second stage will proceed if further funding can be secured.

On completion, the new facility will replace the ageing Raumati pool, which will close, while other pools in the District , including the summer only open air pool at Waikanae, will remain open.

The Council expect the state-of-the-art aquatic centre to bring together all sectors of the community including schools, sports groups, serious and recreational swimmers, families, youth, businesses, retired people and the physically disabled.

They expect that the facility will allow for a number of activities to run concurrently; such as lane swimming, aqua aerobics, water polo, swim training and general swimming; while also meeting the growing need for central community facilities on the coast.

The Centre will also cater for training and competitive swimmers (including hosting regional and national events) with facilities for the elderly and disabled as well as infants, young mothers and adolescents. It will also house club, meeting and changing rooms while the reception and administration area will include a café and retail space. In addition, the grounds will be landscaped and there will be a substantial parking facility.

Backing the proposal Kapiti Coast Councillor Tony Lloyd stated "we need a heart (to the town centre) and this swimming pool complex will contribute hugely to that."

The Centre is expected to be operational early in 2013.

Click here for more information on Kapiti Coast aquatics.