New swimming pool proposed for Albany

April 8, 2004

North Shore City residents and business people are being asked whether a
large public swimming pool and recreation centre should be built in
Albany.

If supported by the community the proposal, which would cost about $12m to
build and possibly include facilities such as a gym, creche and café,
could be built in 2008.

The North Shore City Council is putting the question to the public as part
of its draft City Plan 2004-2014. The document is a requirement of the
Local Government Act and outlines the council's proposed activities and
spending for the next 10 years.

Among other proposals, the draft plan also seeks public feedback on
whether the council should continue to lease its property at 30 Downing St
in Glenfield as a privately-run children's recreation facility or
refurbish it as a public recreation facility.

The chairperson of North Shore City's community services and parks
committee, Margaret Miles, says that despite high growth in the northern
part of the city there is currently no public swimming pool in the area.

"We live in a city surrounded by water and beaches, and a strong awareness
of water safety is vital for residents of our city, particularly children.

"There are many families with young children moving into the Albany area
but at present they have to travel to other parts of the city such as
Glenfield, Takapuna or Birkenhead to use a public pool."

Councillor Miles says the council is seeking to gauge the level of public
support for the proposal.

"While it obviously comes at a cost and would lead to an increase in
rates, we already own the land and some of the anticipated costs could be
covered by development contributions. We would also investigate the
opportunities for a public/private partnership in order to reduce the
council's costs."

Meanwhile the public is also being asked to indicate whether they believe
the council's property at 30 Downing St, currently operated as Chipmunks,
should continue to be leased or developed as a public recreation
facility.

Councillor Miles says the proposal was primarily a question of timing.

"Our council bought the property to ensure it would be available in the
future as an indoor recreational facility. The issue we want to public to
consider is whether we should invest the money now to convert it, or
whether that should be done some time down the track," she says.

The North Shore Youth Council has already indicated to the council that it
would like to see the facility made available to youth now.

A newsletter has been sent to every household and business in the city
summarising the draft 2004-2014 City Plan, and setting out the various
proposals on which the council is seeking feedback. A reply-paid
submission has been included to make it easier for people to respond.

Residents are also invited to meetings, now being held at four venues
around North Shore City, to explain the draft plan.

The last day for public submissions is April 22.

People are invited to visit the website, www.northshorecity.govt.nz or
call Actionline on 486 8600 for a list of council offices and libraries
where they can view the full draft plan.

ENDS

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