Khandallah pool may get lifeline

Monday, 8 April 2024

A pool that has been placed on the chopping block may have been thrown a lifeline, after Wellington’s mayor says ‒ while she can’t make promises ‒ she is open to hearing ways to save the facility.

Khandallah Pool fell victim to budget cuts, as the proposed $11 million project to upgrade the almost century-old facility was slashed by Wellington City Council due to funds being moved to a $1.7 billion project to revamp Wellington’s failing water network.

However, the beleaguered facility may have gotten a second chance. At a meeting last night in Khandallah Community Hall to discuss measures that may be taken to save the pool, Mayor Tory Whanau and councillor Rebecca Mathews were in attendance.

After hearing a presentation by group Save Khandallah Pool, Whanau addressed the crowd saying she hoped the attendees saw their coming to the meeting as a sign of good faith. She had heard “loud and clear” over the last couple of weeks how important the facility was to people.

While she could not make any promises, she would want to know what alternatives the group came up with.

“We’re committed to working with you, your community and your team in good faith.”