50 metre pool 'overwhelmingly supported' by Napier residents

Feedback showed there was "excitement" about the activities included in the expansion options, including a lazy river, as shown here in an artist's impression. Photo/Supplied

Napier residents have shown "overwhelming" support for a new 50m pool at the Napier Aquatic Centre.

The Napier City Council has recently completed inital consultation on three options for its proposed expansion of the Onekawa facility. It is currently one of only two public pools in the city.

Of the three options, the first was a $19.5million extension of existing facilities, and option two the "25 metre new build" - a $37million new pool complex with three pools, a cafe and water play area, and a new community fitness and wellness centre.

However, of the total 2010 people who weighed in, the community "overwhelmingly supported" option three, with 1695 votes for a new pool complex including a 50 metre pool.

This option touted the 50 metre as one of three new pools in a $38 million complex, which would also include a cafe and water play area, and a new community fitness and wellness centre.

"While option three is projected to be a little more costly to build and more costly to operate, the unequivocal nature of the consultation results indicates this is the community's preferred option", council manager sport and recreation Glenn Lucas wrote in a report to the Community Services Committee.

Last month the committee agreed to support the development of designs, schedule, and costings for Option 3 to be considered during the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan (LTP) process.

The council would only proceed with the option when approved through this consultation process.

Of those who weighed in on their preferred option through the council's survey, 74.8 per cent indicated their preferred method of payment for the redevelopment would be a mix of rates and user pays.

Community feedback also suggested alterations on the design of the new complex, as it was put out for consultation. These could be considered during the design and costing phase.

Suggestions included extending the proposed width of the 50m pool from 21m, to 25m, so it could be divided into separate pool tanks to cater for more activities.

Some also felt the proposed 8m by 15m programme pool might be too small to properly cater for programme activities.