Dargavilles Pool Gets Go-Ahead

Christmas arrived early for water lovers today (17 December) when Kaipara District Council unanimously agreed to give the green light for a new 50 metre pool in Dargaville which will be ready for the 2009/2010 Summer.

The Council’s approval means the Kauri Coast Community Pool Trust can now enter into a $5,982,479.50 contract with Barfoote Construction Limited to build Northland’s only 50 metre pool and the Trust expects this to be signed before Christmas.

Work is expected to begin before the end of January and move on site at Selwyn Park during February. The facility, incorporating a 50 metre pool divided by a movable bulkhead, a learners/hydrotherapy pool and shower park, is scheduled to be open by Labour Weekend 2009.

It will have double the capacity of Dargaville’s present ailing pool and cater from everyone, from learners and the disabled to nationally ranked swimmers. As Northland’s only 50 metre pool it is expected to attract regional swimming competitions along with their associated economic benefits.

The moveable bulkhead will allow casual and competitive swimming to occur at the same time while the learners/hydrotherapy pool will be a boon for the aged and people with a variety of needs, some of whom currently travel to Whangarei for suitable facilities.

Currently $3.56 million is committed to the pool, including $700,000 from Northland Regional Council Recreation Rate in recognition of its regional significance.

The Trust is approaching significant funders with an interest in Kaipara, plus the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board Significant Projects Fund to provide the balance.

Council today agreed that contingency funding is available to cover any fundraising shortfall and recommended that the Trust accept Barfoote Construction Limited to build the project at a cost of $5,982,479.50.

Its approval requires that the Trust continues to fundraise to the maximum of its capacity. Also that Council work with the Trust to establish suitable governance and management structures for the pool and these be submitted to Council as soon as possible. The Trust is required to endorse this condition.

Mayor Neil Tiller is relieved and delighted that the long slog to get Dargaville a new pool has entered an exciting new phase and says the District will get a $6 million facility for $1 million of Dargaville money.

“I’m delighted that at long last Council is able to give this facility the support it deserves,” he says.

“It’s going to benefit a large number of people and contribute to the District’s economic development. People want to live in towns with good recreational facilities and this aspect has been a blot on our reputation until now.”

Mayor Tiller acknowledges the hard work and tenacity put into the project by Trust members, especially Council’s representative Councillor Richard Alspach.

Kauri Coast Community Pool Trust Chairman Vern Stevens is “absolutely delighted” that the full project can now be built.

“We have been working on this for about nine years and at long last it is becoming a reality. It is going to be a tremendous local asset and will put Dargaville on the swimming map nationally,” he says.

“We are extremely grateful to Kaipara District Council for its tremendous support – both financial and in many other ways.”