Revamped Graham Condon pool to open

The Graham Condon Recreation and Sports Centre will be fully open to the public from Monday following an extensive refurbishment that started in mid-January.

The popular recreation facility had been due to reopen in late March this year after the spruce up but this was delayed by the COVID-19 lockdown. 

The fitness and sports halls at Graham Condon are already operating under Alert Level 2 and the centre’s swimming pool will reopen from next Monday 25 May, making the revamped centre fully operational.

Other Christchurch City Council indoor pools - Jellie Park, Taiora QEII and Pioneer – opened their doors this week. 

Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox says the maintenance and refurbishment at Graham Condon Recreation and Sports Centre was needed because it had been well-used since it opened more than eight years ago.

“We’re delighted to have this essential work complete and to be able to reopen Graham Condon to the public again after a longer closure than we’d originally planned.

"It’s a very busy centre and we know people will be keen to get back into their sport, fitness and swimming there.” 

The upgrade at the centre was carried out in two phases, starting with improvements to the reception area and gym and then the swimming pools and changing areas. 

The work will improve the efficiency of the entire facility. It includes changing to energy efficient lighting, fresh paint, new flooring, replacement of showers and toilets and pool-side works such as tiling repairs. Air and water quality has also been improved through upgrades to the pool plant and HVAC system. 

• Online bookings are now essential for Council pools, fitness centres and group fitness classes to help manage numbers and avoid waiting times. People can book for up to seven days ahead, with easy cancellation via the booking email notification.