Waikanae library and community hub

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 the former library. The building will be developed into a modern library and community-focussed hub.

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’ve looked at options and limitations around a physical space, what property Council already owns, and the possible impacts of purchasing more.

We’ve also looked at:

• previous engagement, which told us the new facility must be in Mahara Place
• to support the predicted 2051 Waikanae population of 24,500, the optimal size for the facility is estimated to be around 2,400 square metres
• 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 has agreed to progress work to refurbish and extend the former library building to provide a warm and welcoming multi-functional space that will serve as a social hub for the entire community. 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.

Timeline

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.