$10m public pool for North Harbour Stadium

North Harbour Stadium. Photo / Kenny Rodger

North Harbour Stadium is confirmed as the site for a $10 million swimming pool, though it has come too late to serve 2011 Rugby World Cup teams based on the North Shore.

Three years ago, the trust that runs the stadium hoped to have a 25m pool and gymnasium for cup teams and other sporting events.

But Mayor Andrew Williams vowed during his mayoral campaign to axe the "gold-plated" project, despite a feasibility report backing a sport and recreation precinct.

North Harbour Stadium Trust needed a North Shore City Council grant for a $14 million complex and use of council domain land.

But Mr Williams and councillors Julia Parfitt and Callum Blair demanded further proof.

Then Massey University offered to take $10 million of council money and build a 50m pool at its Albany campus for public and student use. Its gymnasium was next door.

The stadium project stalled until this week when pool consultants rated the advantages of the stadium site ahead of Albany campus.

The council, including Mr Williams, approved the site on Wednesday night because it offered greater security on council-owned reserve land and room for expansion.

Mr Williams said yesterday that the council's grant would be $10 million for a 25m pool and it was up to the trust to provide the gymnasium.

He said the project was in the long-term budget that had been approved by the Auckland Transition Agency, which is preparing the way for adoption by the new Auckland Council.

Last month, the North Shore council also agreed to give $10 million towards the cost of a new 50m swimming pool at the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health in Mairangi Bay. The pool will be open to the public.

"It's a two-for-one deal," said Mr Williams.

But councillor and Shore Voice candidate for Albany Margaret Miles said it had been obvious three years ago that the stadium was the best place.

"The time and money wasted [on getting experts to give opinions on the project] is outrageous."

Mr Williams said information from the third experts' investigation would be useful for the design specifications.

North Harbour Stadium Trust chairman Reno Wijnstok said delays and stripping down of the budget had been frustrating.