Riverside Sports Centre Concept Approved

The concept design for the Riverside Sports Centre has been approved by Ashburton District Council. It is important to note this is still a concept design only and changes to the features and layout of the facility may be included as the community provides feedback on the current proposal. 

The concept design features a ten lane 25m competition pool, leisure and learn to swim pools and two hydroslides.

The indoor stadium component features four competition sized indoor courts.

Also proposed is a fitness centre and a district sports administration centre.

The site master plan also provides for the option of a co-located velodrome and sports grounds and other sport and recreation facilities which can be developed in the future. adjoining the aquatic centre and stadium so the changing room and car park areas can also service a future velodrome. What occurs when in the future will be up to each user group and the community to decide.

Facility Development To Date

Over the last six months leisure planning consultants SGL have reviewed the demand analysis for the aquatic centre and indoor stadium using information gathered from user group representatives. This has informed the concept design process.

SGL has also undertaken business plan modelling, based on the core facility design.  To assist the pricing and business plan decisions, a “Users’ Working Group” has been formed comprising representatives from the community.

A Users’ Forum was held in early August to discuss the concept design, facility component choices, capital cost and operating implications with key user groups.

Discussions have also occurred and continued to occur with some potential major funders.  Similar discussions are also occurring with some local businesses regarding their specific support for the project.

Have Your Say

All community feedback on the concept design is welcomed and will be included in the final facility design decisions. 

Residents wanting to provide feedback on the concept design can email the Project Group at riverside@adc.govt.nz or can send feedback to the Riverside Sports Centre Project Group at the Council offices PO Box 94 Ashburton 7740.