The Clutha District Council released the designs — illustrating six and eight-lane pool options, each also including a library and service centre — as part of consultation documentation recently.
Although a concept design publicised by the council when the facility was first mooted in 2019 was priced at $5.8 million, rising construction costs and a desire from the Milton public for a larger facility than first discussed have led to sharp increases for both options.
The consultation package says a 2713sqm, six-lane pool and combined library/service centre complex would cost $13 million-$14 million, and a 3360sqm, eight-lane complex $18 million-$20 million.
The facility will be built on the library/service centre site in Union St.
The proposals describe a community-led committee overseeing the project finding $2 million funding, central government providing $1.9 million and ratepayers footing the balance in each case.
In his introductory message to the submissions booklet, Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan describes the new pool complex as a "cornerstone facility" for Milton and surrounds.
"[This will enable] Milton to maximise its potential, and lead the way in propelling the district as a vibrant area to live, work and invest."
The feedback ratepayers gave would "decide the area’s future", he said.
"We are presently in a challenging environment where delays invariably translate to cost increases. So it is critical that the steps we agree on now give clear and decisive direction."
A council spokeswoman said four submissions had been received as of Monday.
Submissions close on July 7.
