QEII Recreation and Sport Centre gets extra pool

A warm water hydro-therapy pool has been added to the plans for the new QEII Recreation and Sport Centre.

The hydro-therapy pool, which will aid people with muscular aches and pains and conditions like arthritis, will measure 19.5 metres by 6.5 metres and have a maximum depth of 1.4 metres. It will be heated to 34-35 degrees Celsius.

Christchurch City Council has been able to add the pool into the QEII Recreation and Sport Centre because of savings found elsewhere in the project’s budget.

An artist's impression of the new QEII Recreation and Sport Centre.

"The addition is great news for the community,” says Coastal Councillor David East.

“The benefits of warm-water hydrotherapy pools like this are all well-documented, but in a nutshell they increase the blood-flow to joints – which is particularly useful for people with arthritis – and help with muscular aches and pains. It’s a huge increase in the level of service the Council will be able to offer, and something that all of Christchurch will be able to make the most of.”

Originally the plans for the QEII Recreation and Sport Centre included a ground-source heat pump system that could be shared with the Ministry of Education, which is relocating Avonside Girls’ and Shirley Boys’ High Schools to QEII Park.

However, the schools have chosen to source their own energy and the Council has decided to shift to an air-source heat pump system, which has freed up money in the budget for the hydro-therapy pool.

“Warm-water pools are used extensively by older adults,” says Coastal–Burwood Community Board Chair Kim Money. “The QEII facility is expected to cater to the needs of an ageing population – like myself – while still providing every opportunity for thrills and spills for the young and the young at heart.”

"The new pool will complement the hydrotherapy pool at Burwood Hospital," says Burwood Councillor Glenn Livingstone. "Currently, a lot of people come through the hospital for treatment in that pool – but a new one at QEII means they can get that same treatment while also getting out and about in the community more. It's going to be perfect for socializing and letting patients make great connections in the community."

The hydro-therapy pool will sit alongside a 25x25 metre lap pool, a Learn to Swim pool, a toddlers’ pool, a lazy river and water adventure playground. There will also be a spa pool, steamroom and sauna, fitness centre and café.

The new QEII Recreation and Sport Centre is currently under construction and is expected to open in mid-2018.

See the floor plan of the centre.