A Christchurch school principal is welcoming a huge, missing piece to his suburb.

The City Council's given the go-ahead for Hornby's new, $37.5 million community facility to be built on the eastern end of Kyle Park.

It will include a library, multi-purpose lane pool, learn-to-swim pool and a toddlers' wet play area.

Hornby High School principal Robin Sutton says children in the community haven't been getting the opportunity to learn to swim.

He says while they're on the opposite side of the city from the sea, water is never far away in New Zealand.

"I am breathing a sigh of relief, after the community board last voted against the move. It's a huge win for the schools and the whole community."

The centre's set to open in 2022.