Second Olympic pool to mop up swimmer overflow

Photo / Dean Purcell

A second Olympic swimming pool is to be built at the Millennium Institute of Sport & Health facility on the North Shore in response to the demand for "flat water" for sports, learners and casual public users.

Institute chief executive Mike Stanley said the present pool at Mairangi Bay was at full capacity.

Approval was being sought to build another 50m x 25m pool on adjacent city council-owned land at Antares Place.

"The pool will meet demand from kids who swim in the organised club programme and water polo, as well as catering for high-performance swimmers, water safety and casual public use that is sought by the council."

The pool would cost between $13 million and $15 million.

The AUT Millennium Ownership Trust was set up last year to develop the institute site in stages as New Zealand's leading sports training centre. Expansion plans include building medical chambers, research laboratories and a lodge for visiting athletes.

A new pool on a site now used for stadium parking would enable expansion of water safety and aquatic programmes supplied to more than 50 schools.

The council's community services and parks committee yesterday agreed to publicly notifying the trust's request to lease the site to the non profit organisation at a peppercorn rental.

After public opinion is assessed, staff will report to the committee.

The North Shore Swimming club operates at the institute's $32 million pool opened in 2002.

Chairman Phil Mitchell said the new pool would enable growth in membership from the present 300.

Prime Minister John Key and Sports Minister Murray McCully will visit the institute today and are expected to announce further support for high-performance sport.