A community project for a new swimming pool in Lawrence has
received a $350,000 boost.
For the past three years, the Lawrence-Tuapeka community has
been working towards building a new aquatic centre, to
replace the old pool which is cold and has problems with
leaks.
The project, which has an estimated price tag of $2.2
million, has been granted $350,000 from the Lotteries
Commission.
Tuapeka Aquatic Centre Inc chairman Garry McCorkindale said
the group was happy to receive the grant, which would give
the project a much-needed boost.
He said community fundraising towards a new aquatic centre in
Lawrence was on track to meet its $400,000 target.
''The local support for the project has been great.''
The group had almost finished fencing a 10km section of the
Clutha Gold Trail as a fundraiser.
The pool project is capped at $2.5 million, a figure which
includes landscaping and contingencies.
The ''Splash Out'' centre will have a large amenities room
attached which could be used as a gymnasium. It would be
built in the Lawrence Area School grounds.
''It will be substantially bigger and warmer than the old
pool.''
The group was waiting for the outcome of several other
funding applications over the next few months before a
construction date could be set.
''We had hoped to be started by now, but it's now looking
like we won't get started until next spring. We really need
to build the pool over the warmer months.''
In the Clutha District Council's long-term plan, a grant of
up to $1.1 million was allocated to the project - capped at
55% of the total project cost.
The grant will be repaid from Lawrence-Tuapeka Community
Board rates (60%) and Lawrence community services rates
(40%), beginning the year after the grant is made. This means
an increase of about $50 on the community board rates and
little or no change to the Lawrence community services rates,
as they will be offset by the elimination of costs from
running the old council pool.
The council also agreed to provide a short-term,
interest-free loan of up to $150,000 to cover pledged funds.
- helena.dereus@odt.co.nz
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.