Stratford District Council commits $15 million for new swimming pool complex

Stratford District Council on New Zealand’s North Island has committed $15 million to the development of a new aquatic centre.

The central Taranaki town's new facility, which will replace its current TSB Pool Complex, will more than likely be built on a new site, with the old development set for demolition.

Stratford District Council Chief Executive Svenne Hanne said they hoped to have a location and design decided by July 2020, and the facility could be completed in 2022.

As reported by Stuff, ratepayers are set to spend $12 million on the development, with council seeking the remaining $3 million from external sources.

The Council decided on a new pool after feedback from the community and deliberations by councillors.

When the Council's long term plan document was released last year, it suggested spending $6 million on a new facility, based on keeping the underground works of the current pool,

However, after consideration, Hanne explained that the new option is "a compromise between the proposed $6 million option that was seen as not doing enough and (a) $20 million option that was considered unaffordable.”

The Council is about to start some "very draft designs" of the new pool complex, Hanne advised, with plans to include a lane pool, a learn-to-swim facility and childrens' pool.

A hydrotherapy pool for recovery from injuries is also a possibility.

Hanne added that the Council was 99% sure the new development would be built in a different location and the current facility demolished.

Image: Stratford's current TSB Pool Complex.