Dunedin city councillors will today consider a recommendation the preferred site for an aquatic facility in Mosgiel be approved.
The Taieri Communities Facility Trust asked the council to allow a new facility for a site near Mosgiel Pool in Gordon Rd.
The site was preferred as it allowed the existing pool to remain open while a new facility was being built.
Council recreation planning and facilities manager Jendi Paterson has written a report recommending the councillors approve the site.
''The site recommendation is based on feedback from a number of public consultation processes completed since 2012, analysis of infrastructure provision and the proposed development's effect on existing recreational spaces,'' Ms Paterson said in the report.
Councillors will vote on the approval of the preferred site at an infrastructure services and networks committee today.
The siting would result in the loss of football fields and space from cricket fields, depending on the final size and scope of a facility, Ms Paterson said.
Council staff were working on ''sports field demand analysis'' to help determine future requirements and levels of services for sporting codes, Ms Paterson said.
The recommended site was partially occupied by a camping ground, which has a lease agreement with the council, Ms Paterson said.
''Once the scope and size of a future aquatic facility is determined, the requirement to relocate the camping ground can be assessed.
''The current lease expires in 2023. However, staff have had a number of discussions with the current lessee, who is open to working with council.''
Site confirmation would enable refinement of design concepts and assist the trust in progressing fundraising efforts, Ms Paterson said.
The council has $6million earmarked in the 2018-19 financial year to build the facility if the trust raises $7.5million.
Trust chairwoman Irene Mosley said
it would be great to have a site finalised.
The next stage would include site specifications and procurement and ''locking in'' a partnership with the council.
She was confident the trust could raise the $7.5 million.
