Seaside site readied for Christchurch's hot pools

A site blessing and sod-turning event has been held ahead of work starting on the Christchurch Hot Pools – a major regional recreation facility that will contribute to the regeneration of New Brighton.

An artist's impression of the New Brighton hot pools.

Construction of the five-pool facility, which will have steam and sauna activities and dedicated family and relaxation areas, is set to start once building consents are finalised next month. Site establishment and preparation work will begin shortly.

The site was blessed today by Aroha Reriti Crofts and the first spade placed in the ground by Coastal Ward Councillor David East and Coastal-Burwood Community Board Chair Kim Money.

It is expected the hot pools will take around 12 months to complete once work gets underway.

Cr East says today’s event marks a special moment for the future of New Brighton.

“The local community has talked about the creation of a hot pools facility for some time now. It is fantastic to see the wishes of the community coming to fruition as work truly gets underway.”

Ms Money says local people are excited about the hot pools development and the extra people it is expected to draw to the seaside suburb.

Kim Money and Cr David East turn the first sod on the site where the New Brighton hot pools are going to be built.

“We’ve really enjoyed seeing people use the new playground and the hot pools is another positive step forward for New Brighton. We know there’s still a lot of work to do on the suburb’s revitalisation and it’s really great to see the momentum building.”

The hot pools have been designed to offer scenic views of the beach, sea and pier, while “hunkering down” to face the sun and protect from the prevailing easterly wind. There will be five pools in the facility, ranging from 25 to 40 degrees in temperature, plus a cold water plunge pool, steam and sauna facilities.

Christchurch City Council has provided funding of $19.2 million for the hot pools and related projects to help kick-start the regeneration of New Brighton.

Once complete, the hot pools are expected to draw visitors and tourists from around the region and around the world to the seaside suburb.

Development Christchurch Limited Chief Executive Rob Hall says the regeneration of New Brighton is about bringing a range of public and private projects together to attract more visitors and residents to the heart of the suburb, generate activity and build on positive work underway.

“The hot pools will be a truly special facility that draws visitors and tourists from around the country. The expectation is that the public funding provided for the pools and other local attractions and improvements will act as a catalyst to encourage private investment and business development.”