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Waikanae library replacement
Since our old library closed, we’ve been looking at how we can deliver a modern, sustainable, accessible community facility for Waikanae.
After listening to the community’s feedback and considering several building options, Council agreed to refurbish and extend the former library. The building will be developed into a modern library and community hub.
What's new
2 July 2024 – We've investigated several options for building layout, and the preferred building arrangement for Te Ara Whetū will see a new floor (room(s) and terrace) built on top of the former library building.
We've had comprehensive building and geotechnical investigations carried out over the last few months, which confirm the structure of the existing building is in good condition and can, with minor strengthening changes, support a third level.
![An artist's impression of what the new Waikanae Library replacement may look like with colourful wall murals.](/media/pp4bac2o/waikanae-community-hub-ek.png)
The former Waikanae Library
The third floor will provide more space and allow people to enjoy the mountains-to-sea view, which is an integral part of the building’s narrative.
With this decision confirmed, architects Studio Pacific will begin developing concept designs. They’ll take into account feedback from last year’s community engagement to deliver a library with flexible, accessible and welcoming spaces where communities can connect.
We’ll share a concept design with our community later this year.
Background
Along with the new Mahara Gallery, the development of a new library and community hub is a key part of our vision for Mahara Place to provide an attractive, vibrant heart for Waikanae Town Centre.
The Waikanae library building was closed in November 2018 due to poor air quality, and a temporary library opened in the former Artel Gallery space in Mahara Place in July 2019.
We’ve had advice from a range of specialists, and we’ve tested a lot of thinking along the way with our community advisory group, the Waikanae Community Board, mana whenua, and others.
Modern libraries are changing; they’re more of a community hub offering a wide range of activities and experiences. They connect, strengthen, inspire, and activate their communities.
We have a unique opportunity to reimagine what a new library facility could offer our changing community.
We looked at options and limitations around a physical space, what property Council already owns, and the possible impacts of purchasing more.
We also took into account:
- previous engagement, which told us the new facility must be in Mahara Place
- the right sized facility for the predicted 2051 Waikanae population of 24,500 people
- how we can minimise further disruption to businesses and the community in Mahara Place, which has already endured several years of construction
- avoiding replicating services that are, or could be, delivered by other providers.
Following an extensive engagement process between 12 June and 22 July 2023, Council agreed to refurbish and extend the former library building to provide a warm and welcoming multi-functional space. This option is budgeted for in our current Long-term Plan and does not preclude us from looking at how we incorporate other options in the future.
Te Ara Whetū
Te Ara Whetū means the passage of stars. It’s a reference to the term Te Ara Whetū ki Uta, ki Tai - the passage of the stars from the mountains to sea. In this case, ‘from mountains to the sea’ refers to the view from the Tararua Ranges to where the Waikanae River meets the Tasman Sea.
Te Āta Awa ki Whakarongotai gifted the name to recognise the location the building sits in. The area around Mahara Place area is steeped in Māori history and it’s proper to recognise this significance in public facilities.
Although the word "library" isn't in this name, Te Ara Whetū will be a library first and foremost. More than using the term library, Te Ara Whetū links the library to the heritage, significance and uniqueness of its location.
Te Āta Awa ki Whakarongotai decided the time was right to gift the name so our designers can incorporate concepts which sit behind the name into the library’s design. Having the name will help explain these design concepts transparently.
Architects
Following a competitive tender process, in mid February 2024 we appointed Studio Pacific as architect for the new Waikanae Library.
Studio Pacific’s impressive body of work creating sustainable and uplifting buildings, combined with their track record of collaborating with clients and communities really made them stand out from the crowd. Their recent projects include designing Tākina, Wellington’s new Convention and Exhibition Centre, and designing Te Manawataki o Te Papa - a collection of civic buildings and spaces including a new library and community hub for Tauranga.
Taking into account what the community told us last year about their aspirations for their new library and community hub, the Studio Pacific team will work with staff to develop concept designs for the new facility.
We have a unique opportunity to reimagine what a new library facility could offer our community and look forward to sharing the concept designs in the coming months.
Timeline
Date | Activity |
31 August 2023 |
Council voted to progress work to refurbish and extend the former library |
Early-to-mid 2024 |
Building condition assessment – determining/confirming the structural condition and strength |
Early 2024 |
Internal strip out of building and decontaminate if needed |
Start early 2024 |
Concept design |
Mid 2024 |
Check in with community on concept design |
After community check in |
Detailed design |
Mid 2025 |
Construction |
Project objectives
The project objectives describe what we aim to deliver for our community with this new facility. The feedback we received on these objectives will help guide location of the new library, and the design and functions the new facility offers, including:
- supporting communities to connect
- building healthy and resilient individuals and community
- creating a sense of place and belonging
- providing opportunities to learn, work, and create
- supporting cultural identity and understanding
- championing inclusivity
- providing an exemplar for sustainable practices.
- Waikanae Library – Summary of Community Engagement August 2023 [PDF 2.82 MB]
- Waikanae Library feedback brochure [PDF 2.14 MB]
- Council settles on building option for Te Ara Whetū (27 June 2024)
- Te Ara Whetū – Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai gifts a name for the new Waikanae Library (15 May 2024)
- Designer appointed for new Waikanae Library replacement (14 Feb 2024)
- New Waikanae Library replacement gets the green light (1 Sept 2023)
- Council now seeking community views on options for the new Waikanae Library replacement (12 June 2023)
- Waikanae Library closed for urgent maintenance (28 Nov 2018)