The new international Queen Elizabeth II Olympic swimming pool will open for use and the new Ballantynes/Canterbury Flames Netball Squad to compete in the Coca-Cola Cup will be announced on Monday 22 January at the pool.

The netball team announcement will mark the opening of stage two of the QEII redevelopment.

The new squad will be introduced at 11am and the Manager of QEII, Alan Direen, will be available to talk about the new pool and the redevelopment.

He will have media kits with additional information. Media are requested to meet Andrea Webley at 10:45am in the QEII foyer.

Background Most of the old swimming complex is closing so that stage two can start. The old complex will close on 21 January. The new dive well and changing facilities will reopen in July 2001 and work on the new leisure pool continues, is on schedule and will open in April 2002. With the opening of the leisure pool the redevelopment will be completed. The new leisure pool will be one of the largest in Australasia. It will incorporate a wave machine, lazy river, two vortexes, swirl pool, bubble seat, geyser, and raindrop unit. New steam and sauna rooms will also be provided and a special area for teaching swimming. Information brochures are available by calling 3722849

City Council pools available this summer are: Pioneer Leisure Centre: Mon-Fri 6am-9pm Sat, Sun and Public Holidays 8am-8pm Centennial Pool: Mon-Thurs 6am-9pm Fri 6am-7pm Sat, Sun and Public Holidays 7am-7pm Halswell Aquatic Centre, Waltham Lido and Sockburn. All are open until the end of February, with the actual closing dates to be confirmed. Hours are Monday to Thursday 11am to 6.30pm; Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 11am to 6pm. Neighbourhood pools: Edgeware, Edgeware Road Papanui, Winters Road; Belfast, Sheldon Park, Main North Road Templeton, Kirk Road; and Woolston, Ferry Road.

Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz

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