Waiheke Island library, service centre and Artworks project

Library and service centre

We are building a new library and service centre on Waiheke Island and implementing the strategic plan for the Artworks complex in Waiheke.

We need to do this because:

• the current library is too small to fulfil all the roles of a modern community library and is generally in poor condition
• the service centre is overcrowded, has poor facilities and needs more space
• Artworks is a key community asset and, working with the strategic plan, we need to ensure future development is better coordinated.

We want to ensure that these facilities meet the current and future needs of Waiheke residents.

The new library and service centre will:

• meet current and future community needs
• improve customer service through increased capacity and efficiency, including improved access to computers
• be a sustainable building and workplace environment
• offer increased space and additional car parking.

Background

In 2007 a project was identified to build a new library in Oneroa and service centre in Ostend and consultation was carried out. In November 2008 this position was revisited as part of the council's long term affordability review of capital expenditure and it was decided to construct a new purpose-built dual facility at Oneroa that will house both the library and service centre, adjacent to the Artworks complex.

A Community input group (CIG) was formed to provide local expertise on the project. We held two workshops with the CIG to look at the development of the design brief for the library and the building of a dual facility. We will continue to work with them during the master planning and concept design phases.

Progress

During August - October 2009 we ran an expression of interest and tender process for design services.

Pacific Environments were appointed as the design team in November. Design work is underway and public consultation on concept designs is now open. Construction is due to start in January 2011.

Updated April 2010