Opening day announced

 The official open day of the $22 million Queenstown Aquatic Centre has been confirmed.

"I am delighted to announce that the pool will be open for business on Saturday, May 31," Lakes Leisure Limited CEO Roger Coleman said.

Levels of interest in the facility have soared in recent weeks as the community witness the visible progress on the project.

"In addition to being able to view the exterior construction, there is also an opportunity to observe the finishing touches on the interior of the building through a purpose viewing window in the foyer of the Events Centre," aquatic centre general manager Cam Sheppard said.

The aquatic park features a fun-filled leisure pool, lazy river, water features, two hydroslides, toddler’s area, adult spa pool and 25m lap swimming pool.

"We expect the level of public interest will only escalate further as Queenstown eagerly awaits opening day. We would like to encourage everyone to visit over Queens Birthday weekend and enjoy the fun and excitement of the district's newest community leisure facility,” Mr Sheppard said

"There is no doubt that this project will help cement a culture of community leisure and recreation, which is the ultimate goal of the leisure company established by the council to mange facilities like the centre," Mr Coleman said

Confirmation of the opening date is a major milestone for the community, Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes said.

"It has been a long road to get us to this point but I have no doubt that this community has made a very wise investment into its future health and wellbeing," Mr Geddes said.

Although the handover from the council to Lakes Leisure is scheduled for the 8 May, a period of venue commissioning and staff training will occur over three weeks. The community, including school groups and members of the public, will be invited to book into training sessions to assist with the venue commission.

"We will be calling for expressions of interest next month to assist us with training. We'd like to give a good cross section of our community an opportunity for a sneak preview," Mr Sheppard said.