Thursday 4 April 2013

Council welcomes Earthquake Appeal Trust announcement

Christchurch City Council is warmly welcoming the Earthquake Appeal Trust’s generous funding of $6.5 million for water attractions at the Council’s planned recreation and sports centre in the eastern suburbs.

Mayor Bob Parker says he would like to warmly thank the trust and everyone from around the world who donated money for this project. An anonymous donor provided $3.1 million of this funding.

“We’re well on the way towards making this city a stronger and better place to live and this project will help make Christchurch a really fun place to play as well.”

The earthquakes saw 60 percent of the Council’s water facilities lost – including New Zealand’s largest suite of aquatic recreational facilities at QEII – and this has placed pressure on remaining pools.

Through last year’s Annual Plan, and the community consultation that took place, the Council committed to developing a Sports and Recreation facility that meets the needs of the eastern community.

“This community was hit hard by the quakes and I’m delighted people in the east – and indeed all Christchurch residents – can look forward to enhanced swimming and leisure activities at a time when fun and relaxation is sorely needed.”

“This project is in its early days and while the Trust’s generosity has started the ball rolling, it’s now over to us to work hard and see the recreation and sports centre become a reality. We will do this in partnership with the communities who have identified this project,” says Mayor Bob Parker.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust was established by the Prime Minister shortly after the February 2011 earthquake and it has raised more than $100 million for earthquake recovery initiatives.

ENDS

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