Green light for rec centre

The current Recreation Centre, when it opened in 1978, was warmly welcomed by students and for very good reasons, even apart from simple enjoyment.

Studies have shown that students gain many benefits from using a recreation centre, not only for their health, including mental health, but also for their social lives, their ease in finding friends and even their level of academic achievement.

New Zealand representative futsal player Naji Ghamri says the Rec Centre has been important for his success in his studies. “I’m in the fifth year of a medical degree,” says Naji, “and it can be quite stressful at times. Playing futsal at the Rec Centre helps me refuel and energises me to do well in my studies.”

The new centre’s facilities will include a 33-metre indoor pool, four indoor courts, including a show court with spectator seating for 750, an elevated indoor running track and a full-size artificial turf on the roof. The number of students it can accommodate will double to 20,000.

New Zealand architects Warren and Mahoney are working to a studentfocused brief with MJMA, a Toronto based architecture firm with extensive experience building aquatic centres and recreation facilities in North America.