The following letter was published in the Timaru Herald:
Several readers have suggested that building the proposed aquatic centre would be beneficial for Timaru's economy during the recession. The reality is that building the aquatic centre will result in an increased cost of living for Timaru District residents, more expensive swimming fees and an increased commercial risk for the Council.
The attached gym will only break even if it can attract 700 members, and in doing so would probably see the closing of at least one existing gym. There are not 700 people in Timaru waiting to sign up to a gym, but there are many with gym memberships that would also like to swim. Although, the greater risk is that if the gym were unable to enlist 700 members, then closure or extra funding would be necessary. As a commercial operation, there is little likelihood of a return on investment for the extra $1.5 million spent.
The proposed cafe is also at odds with the idea of parents supervising their children while swimming. Again, it results in the Council taking on more commercial risk. There are also hidden costs that have yet to be disclosed. One example being, the traffic lights and roading improvements required as a direct consequence of the project. While another is the upgrading of the existing uncovered pool.
Then there's the issue of the external funding. What if the council were to proceed with the project without securing the bulk of this funding up front? The council and its rate payers will be footing the bill for any shortcomings. It is worrying that not even the councillors know the state of any funds secured so far.
I think Cr Bowan and his four supporting councillors have every right to feel apprehensive about progressing with the project. The aquatic centre issue has been poorly handled from the get go. If the council had done a good job, they would have championed and built a decent swimming complex at Aorangi Park, like the original consultants proposed. Now the only two options the Council have are both disasters. Yes, we need modern pool facilities, but at what cost?