19 June 2013

New community centre and library for Te Atatu

It’s been a long time coming, but construction of the Te Atatu Peninsula’s new library and community centre will finally get underway.

Consent has been granted for the $12 million project with Auckland Council planning to start work on the project before the end of the year.

The project involves pulling down the existing building, which was built back in the 1960s, and replacing it with a new facility.

The decision has been welcomed by the Henderson-Massey Local Board.

“The board is thrilled that this project has finally been given the green light after so many years and quite a few false starts so I thank the community for its patience,” says board chair Vanessa Neeson.

First mooted more than a decade ago, the project has had a series of delays including transition from Waitakere to the Auckland Council and, more recently, an appeal to a resource consent which was granted by independent commissioners in March.

“But the wait is finally over and we are excited about the fantastic asset this will be for Te Atatu, now and for years to come.”

Once complete, both the library and community centre will provide more space and allow for a wider variety of uses.

During construction, the existing library will operate out of a temporary location in the former pharmacy on the opposite side of Te Atatu Road. Work has begun on preparing this building for use.

The community centre, which is currently only available for casual bookings, will close on July 26. The library is scheduled to close and move out of its current site into the new location sometime in August.

Other dates will be confirmed once a contractor has been appointed.

Project details:

Library
• A single storey space will connect to the outdoors via expansive windows and access across a veranda to Jack Pringle Park
• more space for more computers as well as wi-fi access, a dedicated children’s area and a vibrant and modern interior will be a welcoming place for young and old.

Community centre:
• There will be four community activity spaces for hire – two at ground level and two upstairs, to which there is lift access
• the hall space will be multifunctional and big enough to accommodate a basketball court one day and the next an exercise class or social gathering
• plenty of storage for regular users
• modern kitchen
• temporary stage will allow for a range of performances, and social and community functions.

Currently the community centre could accommodate 837 people when standing or 540 when seated. This will increase to 1215 and 700 respectively.

Other
The project also additionally includes boosting car parking to 65 spaces, landscaping and creation of a five-metre wide pedestrian walkway from Te Atatu Road, to the rear carpark of the new building.

ENDS

© Scoop Media