City council reconsidering central library upgrade plans
Wellington City Council looks to have done a u-turn over the future of the Central Library.
The council agreed in October to support using base isolators to upgrade the library building, and included the $187 million project in its draft 10-year plan that comes into effect from July. It was agreed to following public feedback and a decision to breach its borrowing cap as the council looks to fund several major infrastructure projects.
Just months after settling on a plan to upgrade its stricken central library, Wellington City Council is now considering another way to strengthen the earthquake-prone building – one that could save tens of millions of dollars.
The “viscous damper” technology was not included in five upgrade options released for public feedback in October but is now back on the table after Beca, the engineering company that proposed it, complained. Councillors are set to be given an update on its feasibility next month.
Viscous dampers is a system of hydraulic devices that dissipate energy.
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Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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45% I avoid spending money on coffee
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46.4% I still indulge at my local cafe
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8.6% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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