New Halswell Library
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3 November 2010
Christchurch City Council is planning to build a new library on Halswell Road, next to the Halswell Swimming Pool and Domain.
As part of the Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan and the South West Christchurch Area Plan, the Council consulted the wider Halswell community about the need to replace the current outgrown library on the corner of Halswell and Sparks Roads. Halswell is growing rapidly, with new subdivisions at Aidanfield and Halswell on the Park contributing to a population that is now around 14,000 and expected to more than double in the next 16 years.
With high demand for land in the area, the Council is seeking to designate the land where it proposes to build the library now to protect the site for community use in the future. It is currently anticipated that the new library will be open in 2014.
To secure the site the Council is seeking to designate the property required for the library now through a Notice of Requirement application. The process allows for public comment and submissions to be lodged with the Council in support of or against the proposal. Provision exists for the matter to be heard before an independent commissioner if necessary. If the application is successful, it is anticipated that the new library will be open in 2014.
As the design is developed, there will be further consultation on facilities and services offered.
The proposed site address is at 341 Halswell Rd and is approximately 5280 square metres. The site area that the Council proposes to purchase is modelled on the size of similar buildings developed in Fendalton and South Christchurch. The Council recognises the opportunity to potentially co-locate other community facilities on the adjoining Council-owned land, which is the site of the Halswell Pool.
Carolyn Robertson, Libraries and Information Manager at the Council says there will be more community consultation on the design of the new library and the services it will offer as the project progresses.
“The rate of growth in the area and the ability for libraries to be community hubs mean that we need to secure a site now,” she says.
The proposed site is the Council’s preferred option.
The project was publicly notified today and interested parties will have until December 1 to make submissions.
