Stakeholder discussions over Municipal Pools future

In-depth discussions with stakeholder groups and interested parties will be the next stage of work to determine long-term operation of Hamilton’s Municipal Pools.

The century-old pools, at the southern end of Victoria Street, have been closed since May this year due to a number of major mechanical and structural defects.

Expert advice obtained by Hamilton City Council’s Community Development and Leisure Unit, and presented to Council today, has revealed a number of major cracks in the main 33-metre pool, a pump and filtration system requiring full replacement, and historic wooden grandstands requiring major earthquake strengthening work.

Community Development and Leisure Manager Deanne McManus-Emery says Councillors today voted in favour of staff beginning full discussions with stakeholder groups – including Municipal Pools supporters and local swimming organisations – to explore and cost a full investigation into options for the continued operation of the pool.

“What we discuss and the options we examine with interest groups and stakeholders will be presented to Council next year as part of the Annual Plan process,” Mrs McManus-Emery says.

“Unfortunately, that does mean the pools will remain closed, as the issue of retaining water quality to an appropriate standard – the reason for the closure – remains. However, we’ll be looking to begin those discussions and investigations into what we can do at the site early in the new year.”

Mrs McManus-Emery says Councillors had given staff and interest groups clear direction to work together to find a solution which will see the pools continue to operate, and a decision on the future of the pools was expected in February 2014.

As part of the resolution passed today, Council also asked staff to take a broader look at swim lane space and leisure swimming capacity in the city.