Site preparations for construction of the new Aquatic Centre building began this week.

Contractors, Mainzeal, are putting a fence around the site, off Kapiti Road and will shortly begin constructing stormwater, sewage and other services.

The Aquatic Centre, which has been on Council plans for a number of years, is one of the two major projects currently underway contributing to the long term goal of a vibrant town centre for Paraparaumu.

Councillor Diane Ammundsen says she's delighted the project is now underway.

"I am very excited we are making a start after all the fundraising activities we have had and community support shown for what is a most exciting and eagerly anticipated community facility."

The project is a joint initiative between the Council and the Kapiti Aquatic Centre Trust.

The Coastlands Aquatic Centre will be a purpose built facility that will replace the current 60-year-old Raumati Pool. The new Centre will include a multi-purpose 25x25 metre pool with a moveable floor section, a learners' pool, toddlers' pool, one hydro slide, spa pool, sauna and caf�. The centre is expected to get about 250,000 visits per year and will attract many more visitors and events to the district.

There is expected to be minimal disruption to the public during construction. The nearby walkway/cycleway which runs round the site will be kept open throughout the construction period.

Access to the site will be from Kapiti Road. Public are advised there may be some large trucks entering and leaving the site but it is anticipated that delays to traffic on Kapiti Road will be minimal. The Coastlands Aquatic Centre is due for completion by March 2013.