Makino pool a step closer to upgrade

Feilding's Makino Aquatic Centre is one step closer to getting redeveloped, but don't expect a hydroslide or spa pool.

Manawatu District Council adopted its draft annual plan for 2010/2011 yesterday and the Makino Aquatic Centre redevelopment project was given the go-ahead.

Councillors discussed the aquatic centre's redevelopment and agreed to go ahead with the feasibility process – as set out in the council's draft annual plan.

Community services group manager Brent Limmer said there were a couple of concept ideas to consider.

"The main is to have a cover over the current 50 metre pool but make the pool deeper and shorter to 25m – so it would become a deep 25-metre pool," Mr Limmer said.

"Also having a dedicated learners' pool to cater for more classes," he said.

He said the council had decided not to go ahead with the hydroslide and spa pool as they were not financially viable.

Mayor Ian McKelvie said the idea to redevelop the pool came from proposals in the community.

"It was obvious people need to upgrade the Makino and it was apparent it was not catering for outside groups, including training and swim classes, as well as it could," Mr McKelvie said.

"Proposals did show the community wanted a hydroslide and other leisure facilities but it would mean we would be competing with the Lido [in Palmerston North]."

He said the redevelopment was important for Feilding and the wider region as it was a well-used facility.

Since plans were announced in April of last year the cost of the redevelopment project has increased to $5 million.

The Makino Park project has been put on hold until the redevelopment and shape of the pool have been decided.

- © Fairfax NZ News