The first columns of the new Queenstown Aquatic Centre are now in place at Frankton, project manager Ken Gousmett said.

The six sloping, pre-cast, concrete columns were transported from Invercargill and raised on site this week.

"The remainder of the columns will be erected by Christmas along with the first of the steel trusses," Mr Gousmett said.

The columns and trusses, which would go to roof height, would help give the community a good idea of the outline of the new centre, due for completion in 2008.

"In time the trusses and the columns will actually be encased inside the building but for now they will give a good sense of scale," he said.

The sloping line of the first columns had already generated some comment.

"The columns are deliberately sloping, which matches the angular design of the centre. It's an incorporated architectural feature designed to reflect the nature of the Remarkables Range backdrop," Mr Gousmett said.

ENDS

For more information please contact Ken Gousmett 03 442 9071 or 027 229 6012.

By: Sarah