Gisborne Council releases details of plans for new Olympic Pool facility

Following the New Zealand Government's announcement last month that it would fund up to $40 million for the redevelopment of the city's Olympic Pool facility through the Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) COVID-19 response, Gisborne District Council has released further details about what Gisborne swimmers can expect over the next two years.

Gisborne Council Director of Liveable Communities, Andrew White advises "it's actually going to be a complex of new pools - there will be a new, year-round temperature-controlled hall comprising a multi-use 50metre pool, a leisure and toddlers pool, a learn-to-swim and hydrotherapy pool, and all the associated facilities to support them.

"The outdoor area will have a new hydroslide (waterslide), a wet-deck play area, and a family-friendly swimming area."

White notes there would be no interruption to the public's access to swimming during construction, as the pools would be built in phased developments.

The "early works" phase, beginning in September, will involve building a permanent external toilet and change block and installing numerous temporary facilities to allow the area to operate year-round.

Next will be demolishing the existing entrance and 50metre pool areas to build the new indoor component of the facility.

The options for the redevelopment were consulted on widely in the previous Long-Term Plan consultations.

The outdoor pools will run as per usual over summer, however fencing around the old indoor pool will signpost that the works are underway.

White adds "in the second phase, beginning in 2022, our new indoor facility will open and we'll close the outdoor area and redevelop it.

"Further community engagement will take place as we fine tune the external facilities. Our community and Council have recognised for a long time the importance of having a modern aquatic facility.

"The facilities we're planning will have significant benefits to local people in terms of physical and mental health, and will continue to teach young people to be safe around water. We're thrilled that Central Government has also recognised and backed the community recreational, fitness and sporting benefits of the project.

"Coupled with the jobs it will create, it's a fantastic outcome for this region at any time, and the best of all as we recover from COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown."

The entire project is expected to be completed during the summer of 2022.

Image courtesy of Zoggs Australia