Otahuhu community and recreation facilities

Swimming pool and library (Stage two)

Stage two of the Otahuhu recreation precinct will be development of the swimming pool and library and completion of the precinct open space. The council is currently reviewing the timing of these developments as part of the Annual Plan process.

Timeframe

We plan to start construction in 2009 and finish in late 2011.

Cost

The cost to build the swimming pool, library and open-space is $22.1 million. The council is currently reviewing the funding options for this project which will be decided in June 2008. The current recommendation which will be included in the Draft Annual Plan is to continue with the swimming pool and delay the library development by three years.

Process

The process to design and construct the Otahuhu Recreation Precinct will involve a number of steps including:

Stage	Tasks
Engage design consultants	Engage external design team
Concept design	Develop concept design with input from the Community Advisory Group
Community consultation	Opportunity for wider Otahuhu community to review the concept design
Design confirmation	Finalise the concept designs
Detailed design	Detailed drawings and tender documents
Planning	Resource consents and building consent
Tender	Tendering the construction project
Construction	20 to 24 month construction
Completion	Opening of the precinct

What will the project include?

In April 2007, a study was undertaken to understand what Otahuhu residents want in a new swimming pool, library and recreation precinct. The study gathered input from children, youth, adults, schools and local residents. The feedback combined with best practice examples and direction from council strategies informed the scope of the precinct facilities. The council subsequently resolved through resolutions of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee on 5 September 2007 and Community Development and Equity Committee on 12 September that the scope of the Otahuhu Recreation Precinct would include:

Overall:

a place for the community to meet, socialise and hold events,
a design that considers safety, security and reflects the diversity of Otahuhu;

Swimming pool:

an indoor swimming pool with access to an outside area in open, airy and exciting design;
a 500m2 free-form main pool to accommodate lap-swimming and free play;
a 200m2 free-form toddlers pool;
a 96m2 teaching pool;
a 60m2 spa pool and sauna and steam room;
sufficient space for relaxation and storage;
a hydroslide (subject to sponsorship and external funding);

Library:

800m2 non-traditional library which reflects diverse Otahuhu community
vibrant, light, bright and airy design with subtle spatial separation of zones
book library - accommodates expanded collection of 25,000 items
learning zone - 20 computers plus further 8 to 10 computers in the library
adult zone - newspaper and magazine lounge and small meeting room
children zone - bold and exciting space which accommodates noisy activities
youth zone - a living room for youth to read, relax, study and meet friends
community anchor - display information about the community and the council
most up to date technology and environmentally sustainable design

Public space:

a place for formal civic functions and community events;
space for families and the community to be active or just to relax; and
inclusion of both hard and green spaces with shade.

Other amenities:

investigate the feasibility to accommodate flexible meeting space, caf�, child-minding, and outcomes from the Community Development review into the Otahuhu Recreation Precinct.

It was noted the inclusion of a hydroslide will need external funding and sponsorship, with the intent that the hydroslide should be a core part of the facility construction.

The Community Development and Equity Committee resolved that the future location of the Otahuhu Community Centre is confirmed as staying on its current site in High Street, Otahuhu. Within the next four years, a needs assessment for community spaces in Otahuhu will be undertaken.

Who will develop the design?

The council has engaged Jasmax to develop the concept design for the Otahuhu Recreation Precinct.

Public involvement

In June 2008, we will display concept plans for the Otahuhu Rcreation Precinct and ask for your feedback.

We are also establishing a group of Otahuhu community members to input into the design process, called the Otahuhu Community Advisory Group. This group will meet two to three times between April 2008 and July 2008 and give us feedback as part of the design process. Please contact us if you would like to be a part of this group.

Updated March 2008