Key Makino project

A MAJOR redevelopment proposal for the Makino Aquatic Centre is featured in the Manawatu District Council’s Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022 that is now open for public consultation.

The project, scheduled for the 2013/14 financial year, includes a new learner’s pool, a children’s wet play area and covering the 50-metre outdoor pool. The cost could be up to $3.2 million depending on design of the new facility.

In the 2009 Long Term Council Community Plan, a significant upgrade of the Makino was considered as part of the Leisureville concept, but this was put on hold in order to progress planning MAC redevelopment and its implications for Leisureville. 

In the draft plan, released for public consultation on Tuesday, council proposes that funding for the project be raised through a combination of loans (about $2 million) and grant funding ($1 million).

“While there are no immediate rating implications,” it said, “rates will be required over the next few years to repay the loan and fund depreciation requirements.”

Council also said that whether or not the redevelopment project proceeded, $200,000 was  needed to upgrade MAC’s changing rooms.

Kitchener Park’s future and investment in the Feilding High School’s recreation centre were other key projects highlighted by council in the draft plan.

Kitchener Park remains one of the few semi-swamp podocarp forests in the district and has both historical and botanical significance. Issues for the reserve include flood control, regeneration, elimination of weeds and the maintenance of structures, including the boardwalk.

A key question for residents is what future they envisage for the reserve and how much money they want council to invest in it.

The draft plan also provides an investment of $1.5 million in a new court complex at Feilding High School for basketball, volleyball, badminton and possibly netball.

FHS is expected to contribute the land for the development, plus about $1.5 million of funding, while a further $2 million would be raised from sources including trusts and grant funding.

Council’s investment would be split between $1 million in 2013/14 and $500,000 in 2014/15. No contribution to on-going operating costs would be provided by council, with the school administering the facility.

MDC’s Long Term Plan is the three-yearly long term planning document required by the Local Government Act 2002 and the draft reflects the amendments made to the Act in 2010, including requirements for “Council Outcomes”. The draft plan also includes new “Vision” statements developed by council last year.

All residents are encouraged to read the plan, or its summary, and make a submission if they have a strong opinion on any particular issue.