Green light for public input on Napier pool revamp

Options to revamp Napier Aquatic Centre will be going out for public consultation. Photo / File

Concern over a lack of swimming space in Napier looks set to end, with residents soon to have their say on proposals to redevelop the Napier Aquatic Centre.

The Onekawa facility is one of only two public pools in the city. Both have felt further pressure since the third facility, Greendale Pool, closed late last year.

Yesterday, Napier City Council's Strategy and Infrastructure Committee agreed to put several options for the expansion of the Aquatic Centre out for consultation.

These were outlined in a business case - by Global Leisure Group Ltd - which highlighted that the Aquatic Centre was not meeting demand, could not cater for a changing population, and was "not fit for purpose".

The most popular options look to be a $37 million build including a 25m by 25m pool, said to be the most cost-effective way to meet the community's need, and a $38m, new 50m pool development.

The other options are a $19.5m expansion of the current Ivan Wilson complex, and a $16m "no frills replacement" - the only option not to be included in consultation.

During yesterday's committee meeting several councillors spoke of their approval for the development of a new facility, and their interest in seeing what feedback the community gave.

At-large councillor Richard McGrath was glad this proposal was on the cards, but he was "not 100 per cent rapt with the options", because he was not sure they would meet future needs.

He added the facility needed to accommodate those who had been using Greendale Pool, Napier's ageing population, and learn to swim programmes - also noting "there is nowhere in Napier that you can ... do a bomb".

"At least it's on the table now."

Staff's efforts in preparing the options were applauded by Napier Mayor Bill Dalton.

"When the life of the Greendale Pool was cut short, our whole programme had to be brought forward, and I'd like to acknowledge the work that the [Community Services team] has done," he said.

"This hasn't taken a long time, this has taken a very short time."

This was echoed by Taradale councillor Graeme Taylor, who said there had been an "amazing amount of work" to bring the proposal forward.

He also noted that during the consultation period, more clarity could emerge on plans to build a 50m pool at the Regional Sports Park.

For its reasoning on why a 50m pool was not needed in Napier, the business case had stated that if this was built at the centre, and another was built at sports park, this could result in an oversupply - meaning there would be three such pools in the Napier/Hastings area.

The proposal was also welcomed by Sport Hawke's Bay chairman Damon Harvey, who said "Napier has been in need of improved swimming facilities for some time".

Although Sport Hawke's Bay recognised the need for more pool area in Napier, they did not have a preference of the four options.

"... but it has to be weighed up to what the community needs are and obviously affordability," he said.

"A 50m pool is expensive to operate ongoing, so that has to be taken into consideration for ratepayers.

"Napier residents have been wanting improved swimming facilities for some time and it's important that residents have their say, so that they ensure they get what's needed now and well into the future. A long-term solution is needed."

Following consultation, the recommended option would be presented to the council. A funding model would be included in the Long Term Plan 2018-2028.