A recommendation to increase the proposed Queenstown Aquatic Centre budget by $250,000 will go the Queenstown Lakes District Council meeting on February 25.

The QLDC held an aquatic centre hearing yesterday (Wednesday) having received 606 submissions. Of these submissions 462 supported the proposal, 40 supported the proposal but indicated opposition to the proposed funding, 91 were opposed and 13 did not indicate support or opposition.

"We received some very well considered submissions both for and against, including some compelling information from young Queenstown swimming club members," panel chairman QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes said.

After some debate the hearing panel concluded that the proposed lap pool should be widened to 20.4 m to accommodate eight 2.5m lanes.

"Through the submission process pool users were telling us that 2m lanes caused congestion and in some cases minor injuries on a regular basis," Mr Geddes said.

The panel will recommend that the aquatic centre budget be increased by $250,000 (plus GST) to widen the lap pool.

"We have also requested that our design team enters into additional consultation with regards the learners' pool. Again, we heard some good, detailed evidence from early childhood swimming experts, based in our community. The design team will now work with them to fine tune that element of the centre," Mr Geddes said.

All other proposed project elements were accepted by the panel and will be included in next week's recommendation.

ENDS

For further information contact Clive Geddes 03 441 0499

By: Tamah