21 February 2013

Heathcote Voluntary Library to be demolished

The earthquake-damaged Heathcote Voluntary Library building is to be demolished.

Christchurch City Council has received a CERA Section 38 Notice of Demolition for the closed voluntary library building in Martindales Road because it is considered to be unsafe. The Council has agreed to the proposed demolition but a date when it will begin is still to be confirmed.

The building was seriously damaged in the 22 February 2011 earthquake and has been closed since then.

General Manager Community Services Michael Aitken says the building is significant to the local community but is unfortunately too badly damaged to retain.

“The Council had already carried out assessments of the building which indicate it is badly damaged. With the building now considered unsafe, the safest option is for it to be demolished,” Mr Aitken says.

The company carrying out the work will retrieve books and other items from the library before the demolition begins.

Staff are currently investigating a number of options for the voluntary library site under its Facilities Rebuild Plan project. The Council’s 10 voluntary libraries are collectively one of its top 30 projects that were prioritised for funding, further investigations and, where possible, repairs in September last year.

Recommendations about the future of the Heathcote Voluntary Library site will be made to the Council’s Community, Recreation and Culture Committee for consideration before full Council approval is sought.

For more information about the Council’s Facilities Rebuild Plan project, visit www.ccc.govt.nz/facilitiesrebuild

ENDS

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