$3.9m hydrotherapy pool to be built inside new Hornby community centre

An artist's impression of the planned new pool inside the Hornby centre. Photo: Newsline
An artist's impression of the planned new pool inside the Hornby centre. Photo: Newsline
Christchurch is set to get a new $3.9m public hydrotherapy pool.

Christchurch City Council has added the pool to the list of facilities inside the new 4000 sq m multi-use community centre under construction at Kyle Park in Hornby.

Nigel Cox. Photo: Supplied
Nigel Cox. Photo: Supplied
Head of recreation, sports and events Nigel Cox said community fundraising is set to play a key role in paying for the addition.

"There's an ongoing need for therapeutic warm-water pools in Christchurch, particularly in the city's west.

"At the moment, the nearest public facilities are in Rolleston and at Taiora QEII."

He said the council will contribute $2.5 million to the cost of the pool and the other $1.4 million will come from fundraising by the Rotary Club of Hornby and Greater Hornby Residents’ Association.

Both groups are determined to reach the goal and the council will "back them 100 per cent", Cox said.

"Like all the best community projects, delivering a hydrotherapy pool for Hornby will be a real group effort.

"Having a shared fundraising goal will help connect the community to the new Hornby Centre and build a sense of belonging and ownership."

Mark Peters. Photo: Supplied
Mark Peters. Photo: Supplied
Said Rotary Club of Hornby community director Mark Peters: "We have already successfully applied to the Rata Foundation for $300,000, which means we are well on our way to achieving the $1.4 million target."

Rotary Club of Hornby head of projects Paul Burns said various fundraising initiatives are planned.

The groups have launched a website to share their progress.

"We have started planning for a local business fundraiser and local community fundraisers. It is a great chance for everyone to play their part for their area and get behind a once in a generation project of this scale," Burns said.

The hydrotherapy pool will be located at the new Hornby centre. Image: hornbyhydrotherapy.nz
The hydrotherapy pool will be located at the new Hornby centre. Image: hornbyhydrotherapy.nz
Marc Duff, of the Greater Hornby Residents Association, said the warm-water hydrotherapy pool will cater for the needs of everyone in the community, and help with muscular aches and pains and conditions like arthritis.

"A warm water pool environment can provide benefit to anyone, including those wanting to increase their fitness, reduce pain with movement in a low impact environment, or generally improve their sense of wellbeing through the relaxing benefits of warm water,” said Duff.