27 May 2016

Plans to return pools and fitness facilities to QEII Park have taken another step forward with the release today of an initial concept design for the new recreation and sport centre.

Warren and Mahoney have done the initial concept design for the new centre, which will be located in the heart of QEII Park and cover 4737 square metres.

Accommodated within the concept design are leisure pools, a lazy river, a lap pool, a water adventure playground, a spa pool, toddlers and learn-to-swim pools, a hydroslide, steam rooms and saunas, as well as a fitness centre and café.

Ample parking is also provided for cars and cycles.

Christchurch City Council has given the concept design to three design-build contractors to produce a final design and cost, which is expected to be released in October.

It is intended to have the new centre open in 2018.

“The facility is purpose-built to serve the local community and will have a good mix of lane pools and leisure attractions, so that families and the more serious swimmers all have something to draw them in,” said Burwood-Pegasus Community Board Chair Andrea Cummings.

Ms Cummings said the decision to locate the new facility at QEII Park dates back to September 2014 and was followed by extensive community engagement.

“We had $6.5 million from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust to put towards water attractions and in 2015 we went out into the community to find out what they wanted to see featured,” Ms Cummings said.

“Locals of all ages had a say and the design process has pulled everything together and made the vision a reality. It’s going to be awesome and it’s a big collaborative effort that got us there.”

The release of the concept design follows this week’s Hearings Panel’s decision to recommend that 11.5 hectares of QEII Park be sold to the Ministry of Education for the relocation of Avonside Girls’ and Shirley Boys’ High Schools.

"Everything’s starting to come together all at once, which is very nice to see,” said Burwood–Pegasus Councillor David East, who was on the Hearings Panel.

“QEII Park will be buzzing with activity again, just like it was pre-quake, and as a community hub it will return a much-needed focal point to northeast Christchurch.”

“Right from the word ‘go’ this is what the community has wanted – the return of an aquatic facility to the QEII site,” said Burwood–Pegasus Councillor Glenn Livingstone.

“Like many, I’m looking forward to taking the kids down there and splashing around with the family. The confidence that this development gives to the community can’t be overstated.”

Floor plan showing new QEII recreation and sport centre

The floor plan for the new QEII recreation and sport centre.