Pool kept open despite quake risk

predicted that locals would be pleased with the design.

Wainuiomata was rapidly changing and there was a ‘‘positive vibe’’ in the community.

A new retail complex was a further vote of confidence in the suburb.

Countdown’s general manager of property, Adrian Walker, said locals would get a chance to see the plans at an open day to be held at the mall this Saturday between 10am and 2pm.

‘‘We are delighted to now be able to share our vision for the long-term future for Countdown and the rest of the town centre with the wider community.’’ Hutt City Council is defending its decision to not immediately close a popular Lower Hutt swimming pool after it allowed the building to remain open for about two months knowing it could be an earthquake risk.

The council closed the learner’s pool at Naenae Pool + Fitness on December 4 – a day after it received a detailed report that found the site was less than 20 per cent of new building standards.

But it emerged yesterday that the 20 per cent estimate was included in a report Beca Engineering gave to Hutt City Council on September 26. That report recommended a more detailed engineer’s assessment be carried out, which is what the council commissioned.

Community services manager Matt Reid said he rang ‘‘first thing’’ to tell staff to close the pool immediately the day after he received the second report.

But Hutt City councillor Campbell Barry questioned why council staff did not act more quickly.

‘‘The initial report said the roof was likely to collapse in a major earthquake and yet they left it open.’’

If there was any doubt about such an important building, it should have been shut immediately, Barry said.