Media Statement – Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker

8 October 2008

The Christchurch City Council has made no decision to close Redwood Library. I am concerned there has been considerable speculation in the media in recent weeks about the closure of the Redwood Library.

Redwood Library, at this stage, is remaining open. Council has identified in the Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan that the future role of Redwood Library will be evaluated after the opening of a new library at Belfast. I reiterate no decision has been made to close the library.

To say the library is closing is both provocative and misleading. Under the Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan, Council has indicated it proposes to build a new library in Belfast to cater for population growth and if this happens, Council will evaluate the role of Redwood.

This does not mean Redwood Library will automatically be closed. At this time, Council will look at the network and ensure that the service we are providing is best serving the needs of our wider community.

There is currently no timeframe for the development of the new Belfast Library. The Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan is a 20-year plan to guide development of the Christchurch City Libraries network and inform Council’s decision-making for the 2009-2019 Long Term Council Community Plan.

It is important to remember, Council’s adoption of the Plan in August does not guarantee a facility will be upgraded, redeveloped or built.

Redwood Library is a community asset and as such we will continue to maintain and upgrade the facility in accordance with our asset management plan.

I will be visiting Redwood Library on 7 November at 2pm as part of my Mayoral Forum series and look forward to meeting with Redwood Library users and local residents.