Napier Councillor says he does not want to leave a 'legacy of debt'

A Napier councillor says he does not want to leave a legacy of debt for future generations, and fears the new aquatic centre at Prebensen Drive will do just that.

The council met as the Strategy and Infrastructure Committee to vote on sending the design brief for the new aquatic centre out to tender.

Tony Jeffery, said he is concerned about the financial viability of building a new aquatic centre at Prebensen Drive.

"I believe fiscally it's irresponsible, with the information we have now, to go ahead with this."

He said in the council's Long Term Plan, debt is meant to peak at $135 million in 2028.

He felt this was not enough to include issues such as the recent leaky building settlement and an upcoming similar settlement, along with other projects including a new library and civic buildings.

"This just scares the hell out of me."

"I don't want to leave a legacy of debt after 18 years of service to this city."

Fears around the project's budget were echoed by Councillor Kirsten Wise, who raised concerns around the increasing costs, with the project costing council an extra $3000 due to increasing construction costs.

Councillor Tania Wright said increasing construction costs were one of the reasons to push the project ahead.

"Every time we delay, or argue about it, the costs go up and our people who have asked us time and time and time again for a new facility have to wait longer for it."

Mayor Bill Dalton said the only question being asked at the meeting was to go out to tender the project, and the final tender would come back to council for confirmation.

"The pool will not go ahead unless the tender is accepted by this council, so we have that final control."

Onekawa-Tamatea Ward councillor Annette Brosnan said she had spent a lot of time talking to people about the pool over the past week, and said many who were in favour of the Onekawa site changed their minds when various issues such as accessibility, were addressed.