The Parnell baths will be open next summer, following the completion of winter maintenance work.

Auckland City Council’s Recreation and Events committee has recommended that $184,500 be spent to fund the maintenance programme from the Parnell redevelopment budget, at the same time deferring for a year a $4.2million redevelopment of the Parnell baths.

The recommendation – made at last week’s committee meeting – was made primarily out of concern at the impact the eastern corridor development may have on the Parnell baths.

Since that meeting, the Transport committee has moved to prioritise working concepts of the eastern corridor. All options must be considered before a final decision is made on the redevelopment of the baths.

“Timing is crucial here,” according to Councillor Scott Milne, Chairman of the Recreation and Events Committee.

“We have to balance the fiscal responsibility of spending any ratepayers’ money with any possible direction the eastern corridor development may take in the future.”

It is imperative to have as much information as possible before a decision on one of Auckland’s most treasured properties is made, according to Cr Milne.

Depending on how that information gathering process goes, a decision to implement the total $4.2million redevelopment of the Parnell baths could be made in as little as two months.

ENDS

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