The Queenstown Aquatic Centre was now "all go" with the Queenstown Lakes District Council receiving confirmation of the designation yesterday, QLDC chief executive Duncan Field said.
"I am delighted to say that with the designation comes the final green light and we are now able to move to the final planning and construction phase," Mr Field said.
The publicly notified designation attracted only two submissions, one in support, and the other, from Transit NZ, was withdrawn prior to the hearing. The only issue was over the roof colour which the design team considered to be fundamental to the design concept and to the thermal efficiency of the centre. The decision supported the proposed light coloured roof.
The Council would call for expressions of interest next week for the construction of the centre, which would be built adjoining the Queenstown Event Centre at Frankton.
"We hope to reach a contract agreement while we are in the process of completing the final design in order to allow the contractor to join the design team and have an opportunity for input," Mr Field said.
Construction was planned to commence in April/May, next year.
"We plan to hold an open day on the site early next year in order for people to get a real feel for the layout and exciting facilities included in this project, as well as a lottery for Wakatipu children, in order to bestow the honour on one of our young people to be the first to ride the hydroslide," Mr Field said.
The really exciting part would be that the community would be able to watch the visible progress of the project, right up until opening day, planned for June/July 2007.
The centre would include a twin hydroslide, separate learner's pool, waterfall, leisure pool, lazy river, spa pools, health and fitness centre, toddler's pool, eight lane 25 metre lap pool, indoor/outdoor areas and would feature local art work, incorporated into the design. It was also designed to optimise energy efficiency and conservation measures, including double glazing, optimised heat recovery, integrated energy management, motorised pool covers, high quality water treatment, pool water recycling and extra insulation.
"In less than two years this community will have an outstanding facility that we can all be very proud of," Mr Field said.
