Public views sought on aquatic leisure facilities

The public is being encouraged to have a say on what should be on offer in the Leisure Water Area of Christchurch’s Metro Sport Facility.

“The Metro Sports Facility is going to be a great asset for Christchurch, with aquatic and sporting components for everyone from the learner through to the elite competitor,” says Christchurch Central Development Unit Director Baden Ewart.

“We have spoken with many sports organisations about what they want to see in the Facility, and confirmed several key components, but we want the wider public to have a say on what they want to see in this aquatic leisure area, which we know will attract a lot of visitors.”

“We want to know what people would come along for, what they like or don’t like, and what features they most want to see - whether it be a lazy river, water jets and sprays, hydroslides or inflatable toys, or something different altogether. We can then use that feedback in the planning the detail of this Leisure Water Area.”

Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sport Manager John Filsell says: “Our communities have shown a keen interest in the aquatic recreational and fun spaces and we are now counting on their suggestions and feedback to make this area a thrilling, engaging and special place to have fun”.

The Government and Christchurch City Council have agreed joint funding arrangements for the Metro Sports Facility.

It will include an indoor aquatic hall with a 79 metre, 10-lane competition pool and seating for a minimum of 1000 spectators, various other pools, including hot pools and hydroslides, nine indoor courts for sports such as netball and basketball, and retractable seating for a minimum of 2500 spectators. There will also be a dedicated base for High Performance Sport New Zealand, and spaces for fitness and other activities.

The Government has already purchased most of the land required to develop the facility on a central Christchurch site spanning over 70,000sqm between Moorhouse Avenue, Stewart Street, St Asaph Street and Antigua Street

Tender processes are currently underway to appoint design partners, and contractors to assist in the planning for construction. The intention is to have some of the Facility open to the public in 2019, and the remainder in 2020, but efforts will go into shortening those timeframes where practicable.

People can comment on the Leisure Water Area by visiting www.ccdu.govt.nz/metropools, or CERA’s Facebook page, or on comment cards available at CERA offices and council service centres, libraries and recreation centres, which can be mailed free to CERA.

Comment closes on Sunday 13 December 2015.

More information on the Metro Sports Facility can be found at www.ccdu.govt.nz/metro-sports.

ENDS

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