Frimley Park Project

Hastings District Council is inviting expressions of interest from sport and recreation groups for the future use of the old Frimley Pools site. The 6725m² site is located at the edge of Frimley Park. The pools, built in 1967, have closed due to high maintenance costs, required infrastructure upgrades to pool plant and low visitor numbers. Council is now seeking new uses for the site that conform with its legal status as land identified for sport and/or recreation purposes.

An ROI is the first step in this process. It lets interested groups share their ideas for how the site could be used. This helps Council understand the level of interest and what kinds of uses might be possible. If suitable proposals are received, Council may proceed to a second stage called a Request for Proposal (RFP). 

Only sport and recreation groups (or individuals acting on their behalf) can apply. Proposals must be for either a lease or licence to occupy the site. Demonstrating support from a national sporting body or organisation can strengthen your application.

The land is protected under the Reserves Act as a Recreation Reserve, which means it must be used for sport or recreation activities. Housing or general commercial uses are not permitted. Expressions of interest may be submitted by individual groups or in partnership with others. Background information is included in the ROI documents.

The site is on the north-west corner of Frimley Park, with access from Frimley Road. It’s about 2km from Hastings city centre, near the Regional Sports Park, local shops, and schools. 

No. There is no intention to sell this land, and it will remain publicly owned. Council is only offering a lease or licence to occupy, and only for sport and recreation purposes.

The site includes:

• 50m pool, learner pool, and toddler pool
• grandstand that also acts as boundary fencing
• amenities block (toilets, showers, changing rooms)
• plant room and office space.

Some facilities have been earthquake-strengthened. They could be reused or removed depending on the proposal. 

Council is looking for proposals that:

• are sport or recreation-focused, particularly outdoor recreation.  This classification does not allow for community group activities that fall outside of this. That means facilities such as churches (places of assembly), playcentres, kindergartens, Plunket rooms, or similar uses are not permitted on this type of reserve 
• fit the site’s legal classification under the Reserves Act 1977
• are consistent with the adopted Frimley Park Reserve Management Plan and District Plan
• offer inclusive, accessible community benefits run by an organisation(s) with proven experience in delivering sport and recreation opportunities in New Zealand (registered company or charitable organisation)
• demonstrate alignment with regional or national facility strategies, which can be supported by evidence of endorsement from a regional or national sporting organisation
• are externally funded (not Council-funded) 
• can be delivered in two to three years
• are from organisations willing to enter into a lease or licence to occupy 

Proposals may proceed to an RFP stage if they meet all these criteria.

No. Only proposals with a sport or recreation focus will be considered.

Residential and commercial projects are not allowed under the Reserves Act and will be excluded.

You will need to register as a 'Supplier' with GETS to view the documents and lodge a Registration of Interest. You can register here: https://www.gets.govt.nz/RegisterUser.htm

Once registered, to view the full ROI documentation enter 31802932 in the search field. The documents include a ‘Response Form’ on which to detail your proposal.

Registrations of Interest close at 3pm on Wednesday 2 July. 

Council will review the submissions. If suitable proposals are received, a shortlist may be created. A Request for Proposal (RFP) process might follow. Final decisions will go to Council. 

The ROI closes on Wednesday 2 July. After that, Council will review submissions and decide next steps. The timeline will be updated as available. 

Yes. Council will keep the community informed throughout the process. You can:

• sign up for updates by emailing: parks@hdc.govt.nz
• share this information and opportunity with people you know who belong to groups that may be interested
• if a proposal goes ahead, there will likely be a public consultation to amend the Reserve Management Plan. You’ll be able to make a formal submission then.