Source: Auckland Council
A new aquatic centre for the north-west of Auckland moved a step closer at the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee on Thursday.
The committee unanimously recommended up to $250,000 for consideration as part of the 10-year Budget 2021-2031, for funding towards a business case for a destination centre that could include two full-sized indoor courts.
“I’m so pleased to see this project moving forward,” says Waitākere ward Councillor Shane Henderson.
“This facility has been desperately needed for a long time. Currently there is just one pool nearby in north-west Auckland for more than a quarter of a million people. Wait times over summer can be so long there are children lining up in the carpark.”
An indicative business case found the benefits of the new facility would exceed the building and maintenance costs. While any decision and potential construction is still several years away, the next steps in the process include consideration of a site on the grounds of Royal Reserve or Fred Taylor Park.
“There’s a really clear need for this community facility,” says fellow Waitākere ward Councillor Linda Cooper. “We’ve been working toward this for many years, along with Henderson-Massey Local Board. It’s nice to celebrate this milestone before getting back to work on the next steps.”
The committee also resolved to investigate partnership opportunities.
