A ceremony held on November 12 marked a significant milestone for the Edgeware Pool redevelopment.
The ceremony held on November 12 marked a significant milestone for the Edgeware Pool redevelopment, with Rev. Brian Lewis leading a blessing of the site on behalf of NgāiTūāhuriri, the hapū holding mana whenua over the area. This was followed by speeches from key figures who have played an integral role in the project, including Deputy Mayor Pauline Cotter, former councillor Mike Davidson, and Edgeware Pool Group Chair Lynne O’Keefe.
Deputy Mayor Pauline Cotter, a long-time advocate for the pool, spoke passionately about the project, highlighting how the new facility would be a place for the community to come together and enjoy healthy outdoor activities. She also emphasized the importance of the pool in light of the increased housing development in the area. Cotter’s efforts were pivotal in securing the $3 million from the Christchurch City Council to make the project a reality.
Lynne O’Keefe acknowledged the contributions of the many individuals and groups who had supported the journey to rebuild the pool, particularly Valerie and Paul Sommerville, who helped keep the St Albans Swim Club alive after the old pool’s closure. Lynne also expressed the importance of the project to the community, noting that the pool would be a space for fostering social interaction and creating lasting memories for residents of all ages.
A special moment of the ceremony included a performance by tamariki from the Te Tikanga Rua Reo programme at St Albans Primary School, who sang waiata in celebration. This was followed by symbolic sod-turning by supporters of the pool project.
The development is now moving forward with a building consent application in process, and it is expected that the outdoor pool will open for the summer season of 2025/2026, nearly two decades after the previous pool was demolished in 2006. The community looks forward to welcoming this long-awaited facility, which promises to be a valuable asset for all.