Friday 16 December 2016

Green light for New Brighton projects

Work on the first stages of the New Brighton community playground and Hot Salt Water Pools development has been given the green light.

The development will be rolled-out in stages, with work to begin straight away on the substantive upgrade of the whale pool playground to introduce heated water and increase its size. The Council also agreed to fund a further $11 million for the wider development of the hot pools project, subject to funding approval through next year’s Annual Plan process.

Following public engagement earlier this year, Development Christchurch Limited (DCL) prepared a Business Case for the development of the Hot Salt Water Pools and playground, including coordination and support of the New Brighton Surf Club redevelopment and coastal protection work.
DCL will now push ahead with planning for the development as part of the wider regeneration of New Brighton.

DCL Acting Chief Executive Joel Lieschke says it is important the pool development is considered in the context of the wider regeneration of New Brighton.

“The development of the hot pools and playground is a key community project, but it is just one aspect of the work that needs to be done in New Brighton. DCL is also working on plans to invigorate the suburb’s commercial centre and the surrounding public realm, along with phase two of the hot pools development.

“A wider plan has been produced that incorporates all the aspects of New Brighton’s regeneration and ensures it links to what’s happening in other parts of the city,” he says.

DCL will bring the wider New Brighton regeneration/implementation plan that covers all these projects to Council for funding consideration and approval in February next year, which would enable it to be consulted on as part of the Annual Plan process.

Mr Lieschke says the Council’s decision to commit to the first stages of the pools’ development means DCL is really excited and can push ahead.

“When we talked to the community in October and November this year, there was overwhelming support for pushing ahead with the project. Eighty-five per cent of submitters agreed the Hot Salt Water Pools project should be a priority; people were also keen on keeping the existing whale as part of the new playground, which they thought should feature both water and traditional play equipment.

“We will continue to talk with the community throughout all of these projects and seek input as we progress.”

ends

© Scoop Media