16 April 2007

New swimming pool and library for Otahuhu

Auckland City Council has endorsed the planning process to develop a new swimming pool, library and complete landscaping in Otahuhu Recreation Precinct located in Mason Avenue, Otahuhu.

The first stage of planning is to understand the needs of the Otahuhu community in terms of facilities, now and into the future. The council is seeking feedback from Otahuhu's residents on the sort of activities they want to do, and the type of atmosphere locals want to experience in the new swimming pool and library.

Otahuhu residents can have their say until 30 April by using the postcards distributed to local households, visiting information stands at the Otahuhu Library and Community Centre, attending the open day on 19 April at Otahuhu Recreation and Youth Centre, or going online at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/otahuhu

Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, said the council has allocated $22.08 million towards developing the Otahuhu Recreation Precinct, due for completion within four years.

"This complex is an exciting development for Otahuhu and will appeal to all sectors of the community. Currently Otahuhu doesn't have a public swimming pool, and research has shown the distance to neighbouring community pools is a barrier for some residents. The population in and around Otahuhu is growing, which is increasing demand for these facilities for local residents.

"The existing library facilities are restricted in their current location and the space is inadequate to meet the increased demand for broader programmes, such as after-school homework programmes, and dedicated collections which reflect the ethnic diversity of Otahuhu. The new precinct will be better placed to meet the wide range of needs within the Otahuhu community and will bring this area in-line with facilities available in other parts of the city. The new developments demonstrate Auckland City Council's commitment to making our city a better place to live, work and play."

The pool and library are the second stage of the Otahuhu Recreation Precinct. A new recreation and youth centre was completed in March 2006, which since opening, has seen visitor numbers double to over 45,000 visits in the first nine months, compared with 24,000 visits per year to the old centre.

ENDS