Future Waikanae library and service centre

We're investigating options for a permanent Waikanae Library and Service Centre replacement. Along with the new Mahara Gallery, the development of the library 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.

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What's happening

Council approved $13.8 million in the Long-Term Plan 2021–41 for a new or upgraded library and service centre in Waikanae.

We're currently working through the process of identifying options for the best site to meet all our needs.    

We also recently purchased the building housing our interim (pop-up) library. This means we can consider this site, along with other options, for the long-term location of the library and service centre. It also means the interim library and service centre can remain where it is for now.

We've set up a three-stage project to deliver the new library and service centre:

Dates	Stage
March 2022 –June 2023	Investigation The first stage of the project is about location, size and scope – determining the best site for the new library and service centre and considering the types of functions and services it should provide as a hub for our growing community. This stage includes preparing a draft framework plan for the town centre as where and how we develop the library and service centre will make a key contribution to the vitality of the centre. We'll present our recommendations to Council and the Waikanae Community Board, before engaging with the community on our preferred location, functions, and the overall town centre framework.  As we continue to explore possible locations, we’re taking into account cost, constructability, and our previous engagement with the Waikanae community.
2024 (indicative)	Building design The design stage is about turning all our ideas into a detailed plan. The design process will begin when decisions have been made about the location and scope of our library and service centre. This will be done in stages, from an initial concept through to detailed design, with opportunities for community input and feedback along the way.
2024/2025	Start construction The permanent library and service centre for the Waikanae community is built. A procurement process will be run to find a contractor to construct the facility.   Exact timing will depend on the option chosen.

Note these estimated dates do not account for any COVID-19 or procurement-related delays. 

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Next steps

In early 2023, we continue to investigate locations for the new library and service centre development and how it could help revitalise the Waikanae Town Centre.

As well as identifying the best location for the new library in Mahara Place and the functions the facility will include, we’ll look at how it could help:

• enhance the local economy and improve community wellbeing
• incorporate housing into the town centre
• better connect the township to the train station
• emphasise connections to Whakarongotai Marae and partnership with Te Ātiawa.

We'll soon present options to Council and Waikanae Community Board and then engage with the community on the preferred location and potential functions it could offer.  

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Engaging with the community

We’ll take into account everything our community has told us so far about their aspirations for the future library and service centre.

We’ll continue to engage with our community advisory group which includes a member of the Waikanae Community Board.

We’ll invite community feedback on the preferred location after this has been considered by the Council and Waikanae Community Board.

There will be further opportunities for input and feedback as we work through the building design process.

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