Proposed New Waipawa Library/upgrade of Council's Archives

MED009/15
 

To be released immediately 2 April 2009                

Council provides a Library service to the Central Hawke's Bay community from two sites - a Council owned building in Waipukurau, and leased premises in Waipawa.

The present Waipawa building is cramped and Council are facing substantial lease cost increases when the present lease expires in 2010

Council's draft 2009/19 Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) contains a proposal to construct a new library on a Council owned site adjacent to Council's offices in Waipawa, but with access onto the Waipawa Town Hall site - for parking and convenience.  The new building would incorporate Council's archives, as the present archive building will not meet the mandatory storage standard issued under the Public Records Act 2005. It will also provide limited leasable additional office space.

Indicative costs will be $630,000.

The 2009/19 LTCCP provides for equivalent loan funding repayments being included as part of the total rental costs - leaving a shortfall of $250k to be raised through the newly formed "Friends of the Library" and/or funding from Council's Capital Projects Fund. This is therefore a business decision, with no rating impact. No development will be incurred until this shortfall in funding is secured.

However, for a new building to be ready to be occupied at the expiry of the present lease, building needs to commence within the next few months.

The fundraising committee of the "Friends of the Central Hawke's Bay District Library" have prepared a Case Statement to support their application to Charitable Trusts and other potential providers of financial support. The committee are also planning a number of other fundraising events - including   

  • A membership drive with donations at various levels recognised by naming rights on library shelving and signage in the proposed new library building
  • Events such as Author Evenings, Bride of the Year and other social fundraising events

The Waipawa branch of the CHB Library is the social centre and heart of the Waipawa and wider rural community. It is a meeting place for all people of all ages and walks of life and a focus for the community.

The construction of a new Library/Archives building will therefore provide an important community asset and has received wide support in Central Hawke's Bay.

For more information please contact

End

For further media information please call:      

Ann Strong, Communications Officer, Central Hawke's Bay District Council 0685 78060

Authorised by Chief Executive: John Freeman