Pool funding not all ticked
A FUNDING topup of more than $2 million will probably be needed for the full Moana Pool redevelopment in Dunedin to go ahead.
The Dunedin City Council’s 201828 budget includes $13.9 million for the upgrade, but the initial estimated cost of the work is $16 million.
Councillors have not yet determined whether they should bump up the budget in the next 10year plan — the 202131 edition.
Initial publicity from the council, reported by the Otago Daily Times last Tuesday, suggested the full $16 million had been signed off.
However, the council has confirmed this suggestion was a mistake.
Cr Lee Vandervis said he was surprised by the announcement of a $16 million project and raised the matter with council chief executive Sandy Graham.
Any increase on the $13.9 million approved would require further approval from councillors next year.
It is possible the scope of the project will be trimmed to stay within the existing budget.
The fouryear upgrade is scheduled to start in August next year.
New hydroslides and improved changing rooms are expected to be part of the revamp and a cafe may be added, if considered feasible.
The full project would include refurbished and new changing rooms, including family change areas, and there would be new gallery seating, window glazing and improvements to the entrance foyer and retail area.
A contract to undertake the design work has been awarded to Beca.
Dunedin City Council city services acting general manager Robert West said recent work on the proposal had included a master planning process.
This had established ‘‘the order in which work should sensibly be undertaken — including seismic strengthening, asbestos removal and ensuring the facility is accessible for all of our community’’.
Detailed design work still to come would also influence final costs.
‘‘The project plans for the longterm future of Moana Pool to ensure the facility remains safe and continues to meet the needs of the community for decades to come,’’ Mr West said.
The first stage of the project — renewal of the pool’s ageing hydroslides — is expected to cost about $4 million.
Mr West said there was no plan to divert funding from other pools.
Some irritation has been expressed in Mosgiel about the extent of community fundraising and effort needed to get a new pool there.
Mr West said construction was due to start in Mosgiel next year and the new facility should be completed in 2022.