Planning Minister Chris Steel knew in April this year that the Big Splash lessee was planning to build a hotel and associated "pool facilities" on the site, with construction to start in 2027 if the development were approved.
A ministerial brief in April 2026 to Mr Steel - signed by him - shows he was well aware of the lessee's hopes to redevelop the site and that any reopening of the 50-metre swimming pool would be a temporary measure only.
