Sheffield Memorial Pool
Sheffield Memorial Pool – Transition to Community Ownership
Selwyn District Council has completed its consultation on the future of Sheffield Memorial Pool, as outlined in the 2024–2034 Long-Term Plan.
Following strong community support, Council has agreed to transfer ownership and operation of the pool to the Tāwera Community Trust. This decision ensures the pool remains a valued community asset for the future.
Council’s position
Council is satisfied that the Tāwera Community Trust:
- Is a registered legal entity.
- Has a sound financial plan to manage the asset.
- Can meet all health and safety obligations.
What happens next?
The pool is now transitioning back to the community. During this period, the facility will not operate while the legal transfer process is completed.
The transfer of land ownership is managed by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and involves formal documentation and approvals. Council will continue to work closely with the Trust and LINZ to ensure this process is completed correctly.
Once the transfer is finalised:
- The Tāwera Community Trust will take full responsibility for ownership, operation, and maintenance of the pool.
- The community will be updated on reopening plans and any changes to operations.
Why is the pool closed?
The closure is temporary and necessary to complete the legal transfer of land. We appreciate the community’s patience during this transition and will share updates as milestones are reached.
Read more about the consultation process and decision below.
Sheffield Memorial Pool consultation
Background
Sheffield Memorial Pool was opened on 7 November 1953. The pool was a commemorative project run by the Sheffield War Memorial Committee following World War 2 (WW2). The site is not listed as a heritage site, nor is it protected under the District Plan. Commemorations of the names of fallen soldiers in WW2 are on the Sheffield War Memorial on State Highway 73.
Over the last few years, the Selwyn District Council have discussed the long-term future of the Sheffield Memorial Pool. The pool is an aging asset, requires significant renewal, and has a low user rate compared to other pools. The proximity to the renewed Darfield Pool has also been a key consideration. During this time, a variety of alternative options were explored, with community and government agencies.
The 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan consultation document requested feedback on a proposal to close the pool. 61% of respondents supported the closure. As noted in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan, the Council agreed to keep the pool open for the 2024-2025 swim season and during that time, begin targeted consultation with the community about the potential divestment of the facility to a community-run legal entity. If no arrangement can be agreed upon with the community by 30 June 2025, the Council will proceed with the permanent closure/demolition of the pool.
In October 2024, Council staff engaged with representatives from the following groups: Malvern Community Board, Sheffield Sports Society, Sheffield School Board of Trustees, The Locals Club, and Returned Services Association, on the likelihood that a community group could take over the Sheffield Memorial Pool.
Transferring to community-run legal entity
If the public consultation leads to clear support from the community for the transfer of the Sheffield Memorial Pool to a community-run legal entity, and such an entity is identified, the Council needs to be assured that the entity is well-prepared and capable of operating the asset.
The entity also needs to be fully aware of the risk they are taking on; risk which is currently held by Council as the owner/occupier.
Therefore, it is essential that due diligence is completed by the Council and the proposed entity includes consideration of minimum criteria before transfer of the asset is finalised. These minimum criteria are set as:
- A registered legal entity such as an incorporated society or charitable trust.
- A well-structured financial plan demonstrating the organisation’s ability to manage the asset, including operational costs.
Consultation timeline
- 22 November - 14 February Consultation open with the community seeking a community-run legal entity to take over the pool.
- 27 February - Council hearing of submissions
- 16 Mach - Pool closes for the season
- 19 March - Council deliberations on submissions
- 16 April - Council meeting
- 30 June - End of the financial year. Decision to be completed by this time
Submissions received
We accepted submissions on Sheffield Memorial Pool between 22 November 2024 and 14 February 2025. Submissions have now closed. The submissions received are available to read below.
Hearings
Hearings will be held on Thursday 27 February at Sheffield Hall, with Council deliberations to follow in March. An agenda for this meeting is available below.
Deliberations
Deliberations will be held on Wednesday 19 March at Sheffield Hall. An agenda for this meeting is available below.
Final decision
The Council has taken a significant step in honouring its commitment to the community by finalising an agreement to transfer ownership of the Sheffield Memorial Pool to the Tāwera Community Trust. This milestone marks the successful outcome of a collaborative process that began with public consultation during the Long-Term Plan 2024–2034.
The signing of the agreement follows an extensive consultation process with the local community and wider district, which included 181 submissions and 15 oral presentations with 95% in support of transitioning the asset.
The Tāwera Community Trust was established as a legal entity to take over the pool’s ownership and operations.
The Council will work together with the Tāwera Community Trust to finalise the transfer. Once the agreement is finalised the Tāwera Community Trust will take over the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the local swimming facility.
Read more here.
Read the Council's decision (from page 94) here.