Makeover for Moana Pool foyer

Dunedin (Wednesday, 8 June 2016) – Moana Pool's foyer will soon have a fresh, contemporary look.

Last year Dunedin high school students were asked to vote for their favourite of three possible redecorating options. Work on the preferred option will begin on site next week. Contractors started prefabricating new elements for the foyer off site last week.

Dunedin City Council Recreation Planning and Facilities Manager Jendi Paterson says, “The refurbishment is expected to take about a month to complete. Most of the work will be done during the night and off site where possible to reduce the impact on Moana Pool customers.”

Cr Aaron Hawkins says the Youth Vote initiative was one of three projects designed to give Dunedin's youth a meaningful voice in the direction of their community.

"Last year's Youth Vote empowered young people in Dunedin to have a direct influence on their community. With the work now underway at Moana Pool, that influence will finally be seen.

"The Dunedin Youth Council is very enthusiastic about continuing the Youth Vote project and I'm excited to see the conversations they lead this year, and in the years to come."

The option which received greatest support involves a vibrant new colour scheme, better seating and feature walls to create a more lively, well-lit and enjoyable space.

It closes off the space under the stairs and adds display, along with new built-in wooden furniture and carpeted seating areas. The existing Wall of Fame will need to be moved.

The DCC’s Youth Participation Advisory Group was launched in 2014 to work with Dunedin young people to develop three projects. The first was the Leaders of Tomorrow Roadshow in March last year when Cr Hawkins and Cr Jinty MacTavish visited 19 Dunedin high schools to talk about the role of the DCC and its impact on everyday life.

Voting on the Moana Pool foyer design was the second of the projects, while the third was the establishment of the Youth Council in August last year.

ENDS

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