Excitement building around Ashburton’s new library and civic centre

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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.