Napier Council looks at future aquatic facility options

Napier City Council has advised that it is currently considering a range of options for its future aquatic facility provision, with plans including options to spend $37 million building two new pools at the ageing Napier Aquatic Centre.

Built between the 1950s and 1990s, the Aquatic Centre is struggling to keep up with demand from swimmers and was described in a recent Council report as "aging, inefficient and not fully fit for purpose".

It is one of only two public pools in the city and has come under increased pressure since a third pool, Greendale, was closed last year.

The North Island council has shared details of three future aquatic options that will now go out for community feedback in advance of the 2018-28 Long Term Plan process.

The latest meeting of the Council’s Strategy and Infrastructure committee saw Councillors approve an ‘Options for Expansion’ business case and resolved to progress community engagement and consultation for three options.

Council Sport and Recreation Manager Glenn Lucas advised “we’ll be asking our community to carefully consider all the three options and then decide on their preferred design via an online poll.”

In addition to the online poll there will be opportunities for members of the public to talk directly to the Council teams at a number of community events.

The last of those will be a public open day on Saturday 3rd September at the Napier Aquatic Centre that will include displays, competitions and fun activities for families.

The three options to be consulted on are:

The Ivan Wilson expansion
• An extension of existing facilities in Onekawa, to include:
• New 25-metre pool and learners’ pool
• Gym plus health and wellness area
Life span of 15 years
Cost - $19.5 million (approximately $130 per household per yer)

New Build 25 metre pool
• A new pool complex comprising two new pools, a café and a water play area, to include:
• 10-lanes of swimming
• New 25 metre pool and 20 metre learners’ pool
• Beach access pool, lazy river and bomb pool
• Gym plus health and wellness area
• Water temperature variations
Life span of 30 years
Cost - $37 million (approximately $249 per household per year)

New Build 50 metre pool
• A new pool complex comprising three new pools, a café and a water play area, to include:
• Moveable bulkhead to create a large 50-metre option
• Beach access pool, lazy river and bomb pool
• Gym plus health and wellness area
• Able to accommodate more competitive swimming
Life span of 30 years
Cost - $38 million (approximately $267 per household per year)

Concept illustrations for each of the three options are now being developed and will be available to the public via the www.napier.govt.nz and www.napieraquatic.co.nz websites.

Images: Hydroslide at the Napier Aquatic Centre in Onekawa (top) and ageing pool in use (below). Images courtesy of Napier City Council.

28th December 2016 - AQUATICS HASTINGS AWARDED GOLD SWIM SCHOOL STATUS 

24th April 2015 - FIRE DAMAGED SPLASH PLANET PIRATE SHIP TO BE REPLACED 

21st December 2014 - NZRA HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF COUNCIL RECREATION INVESTMENT 

17th February 2014 - NEW ZEALAND’S BIG PICTURE OF ITS AQUATIC, RECREATION AND SPORT FACILITY NETWORK

4th February 2014 - PLANS PROGRESS ON NAPIER WAVE PARK