Council says “yes” to Coastlands Aquatic Centre contract
Thursday 15 December 2011
The building of the Coastlands Aquatic Centre at Paraparaumu will proceed following a unanimous decision today by Council.
Mayor Jenny Rowan said it was a historic moment, culminating more than 10 years of activities for some.
Councillor Tony Lester spoke on behalf of many of his colleagues when he said it was a strategic decision that would “see our children grow and develop. I’m doing this for my grandchildren.”
Council agreed to lift the over all project budget from $16.69 million to $21 million on the basis that the additional amount will be funded from future land sales and that there will be no additional impact on rates.
Council noted that the additional amount included a $1 million shortfall in fundraising by the Aquatic Centre Trust and that the Trust will continue to seek this funding over future months.
Mainzeal Construction Ltd will be awarded the build contract at $15.047 million. Work is due to begin in February 2012 with the pool complex operational by March 2013.
An external project manager has already been appointed. This follows a high level independent review into the project. The review indicated that the drawings and specifications were detailed and well prepared, but the costing advice had not been robust enough.
Councillor Peter Ellis said the decision today culminated 10 years of effort. He was disappointed they were not building the larger pool, but he made it clear the movable swimming pool floor in the planned complex would offer huge potential.
Councillor Tony Lloyd said he had changed his mind about the project. “We need a heart (to the town centre) and this swimming pool complex will contribute hugely to that.”
Mayor Rowan said she wanted to acknowledge the substantial financial support from Coastlands (at $750,000) and the early support from Pac N’ Save (at $400,000). She also congratulated Councillor Diane Ammundsen for her “dogged” persistence in fund raising over a considerable period of time.
Councillor Ammundsen said she was delighted Council had given its unanimous support to the project today. “This is a long standing project and I am very pleased it has finally crossed the line.” Councillor Ammundsen said the Trust was still committed to raising the promised funds.