New Library Service Centre and Learning Centre for South Christchurch
1) Where exactly is the new library going?
It will be built where the Beckenham Service Centre is now, on the corner of Colombo Street and Hunter Terrace.
2) Why is the Council spending money building a new library?
Extensions to the library at Spreydon and a full community library had been indicated since 1993. Environmental issues and siting difficulties necessitated looking at other ways to achieve enhanced library services to these communities. After looking at a number of other options, and consulting with the community, the decision was made to build a combined Library, Council Services, Learning Centre complex for the whole of the South Christchurch area.
3) Will the public get a say about what it wants? If yes, then how?
During the month of September a series of public meetings have been planned with the general public and various other customer groups. The lead Architect will be present at the general public meeting at the Cashmere Club planned for Monday 24 September at 7.00pm. All meetings will be advertised widely. In October it is planned to have a public feedback meeting so people can hear what ideas have been taken on board and what have not been possible to include. Information is also available via this website. Written comment is also welcome.
4) When will construction start/how long will it take/when will the library open?
Construction will commence in October 2002 and the Project Team is working towards a August 2003 opening.
5) Will there be any disruptions to traffic or parking?
There should be no disruption to traffic on Colombo Street and minimum disruption can be expected in Hunter Terrace from time to time during the construction phase.
6) What will make this library better/different from the rest? Are there any unique features?
The best features of New Brighton and Fendalton Libraries will be taken into account. Council and Library services will be available under the same roof. A unique feature will be a Learning Centre, which is a partnership between the education sector and the Council to provide technology and a place for children, teachers and the community to update their skills and have access to a wide range of electronic information. Other unique features planned are a café and a drive-through returns service.
7) How much is it going to cost?
$4.5 million has been allocated to the project.
8) Who's building it/designing it and how/why were they chosen?
The Project Team have chosen the Architect for the predevelopment phase of the new facility. The company selected is Architecture Warren and Mahoney.
9) Are there going to be any new jobs created?
As this is a new library facility there may be some new employment opportunities.
10) What about the services that are there already? What's going to happen?
Council Services will still be available from the Beckenham Service Centre until the old building needs to be removed. During the construction phase, these services will be available from an alternative site in the area, yet to be decided. After the new building is completed, the Council Team will join with the Library Team to deliver library service and all the services that are available from the Beckenham Service Centre at present.
11) I'm a tradesperson. How do I get involved in the tender process?
Tenders will be advertised in the usual way by the main contractors. You will need to look out for these and contact the contractors concerned.
12) What is the Learning Centre?
The Learning Centre is a unique new service and is the result of a partnership between the education sector and the Council. It will provide technology and learning opportunities for children, teachers and members of the community.
