The EA Networks Centre will see in its 10th New Year with an upgrade of three significant areas.

The work will happen in January, the centre’s quietest month of the year. In the carpark, both the speed bumps and the driveway will be widened to assist with comfort and congestion.

At the facility, a new multi-purpose studio space will be constructed, while the aquatic area will be closed for repairs and maintenance.

People and Facilities Group Manager Sarah Mosley said that this planned work gives effect to the budgeted amount of $580,000 in the Long Term Plan 2024-34 as well as the draft EANC Masterplan, which were both topics of community discussion earlier this year.

"We are pleased to be able to address community concerns and frustrations with the carpark and exit.

“While visitors will see construction work in the area, the gym and stadium remain accessible in January."

During the pool maintenance period from 3 January until 2 February, lifeguards will be stationed instead at Hampstead Pool from 1-6pm on warm weather days. If the weather is colder or variable, customers are encouraged to view EA Networks Centre’s Facebook Page before they drive to Hampstead Pool, as any closure notices will be posted there.

“This maintenance closure is the longest we have done since opening the facility,” Ms Mosley said. “Given the type of work that is being performed, this time the whole aquatic area is required to be closed, however the next year’s maintenance tasks should be able to be performed in a shorter period or without a full aquatic area closure.”

Visitors can expect work on the second exit lane, creating both a left and right turn lane, to commence from 6 January and the work is being done by Tarbotton Land & Civil. This aspect of the project is expected to cost $65,000, with landscaping, security, street lighting and speed bumps work additional. The overall project budget is $155,000, however staff expect savings to exist.

A specimen tree will be removed to make way for the driveway widening at the base, with a replacement planned for planting next winter. Two evergreen trees will also be removed near the start of the entranceway.

“Speed bumps is another topic we hear about, so we're widening them to one metre to make them smoother to drive over while retaining the need to keep speed within the carpark low,” Ms Mosley said.

Bradfords and a number of other contractors will also commence the internal changes from early January. The overall project budget is $325,000.

"Works within the café and new Sports House have been prioritised for completion within January, whereas the 100 square metre multipurpose studio space is expected to be completed by the end of February.”

All current administrators for Mid Canterbury Netball, Mid Canterbury Hockey, Basketball Mid Canterbury and Sport Canterbury will remain in a similar location at the centre, although in a smaller office space. The far end of the café and current walkway directly to the pools will become the replacement staff room.

The new multipurpose studio space is intended to cater to group meetings, yoga, wellness classes and holiday programmes.