Excitement building around Ashburton’s new library and civic centre
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A sneak peek inside Ashburton’s new library and civic building, Te Pātaka a kā Tuhituhi and Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka, has only increased the anticipation.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said the shapes are starting to form after taking a tour of the construction site last week.
Riach said councillors have been visiting the site regularly to monitor progress and with each visit the excitement builds as it takes shape.
“It feels like building your own house and waiting on completion to move in.”
The $56.75 million project remains on track for the revised completion of mid-2023.
Riach said the project was still on budget but it was very tight and there was a lot of pressure due to ongoing supply chain issues.
There would be visible progress for the public soon with the building facade in production to go up in the next few weeks.
Once complete, the library will be a major upgrade, both in size and modernity, from the existing library on Havelock St, which is considered an earthquake risk.
Riach said a library was not all about books anymore and the new site would include a sound studio, wet and dry areas, big screen and event space.
The cafe would be more like an expresso bar, with the lease yet to be taken up, similar to Te Ara Atea, the Selwyn District’s library in Rolleston.
One unique aspect of the build is incorporating the Historic Pioneer Hall into the building.
The new three-storey building will engulf the 106-year-old hall, which will become part of the children’s library.
It will be encapsulated by a large glass atrium spanning between the two main buildings and people walking between the main and secondary building will be able to look down on the space.
A time capsule is also to be placed in the new building.
The council received $20m from the Government’s shovel-ready project scheme for the building.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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42.1% Yes - we like to be prepared
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42.1% Nah
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15.8% This is on my to-do list!
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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