8 August 2013

New Halswell library and community facility a step closer

A new library and community facility proposed for the existing Halswell Aquatic Centre site will create a hub for the rapidly-growing Halswell community.

Additional land has been purchased alongside the pool to provide enough space for the new facility.

Work on the 3050 m2 library and community facility (1800 m2 library, 1000m2 community facility including a customer service centre and multipurpose spaces, and 250 m2 pool office/changing room areas) is expected to start later this year and be completed in early 2015.

Funding of $22.5 million was earmarked for the complex in the Council’s 2009–2019 Long Term Council Community Plan.

Mayor Bob Parker says the modern facility will focus on the future and reflect the changing needs of the community.

“The proposed complex will be almost twice the size of the Upper Riccarton Community and School Library. The popular outdoor pool, toddlers’ pool and hydroslide have been incorporated into the proposed design and will have new changing rooms, a new barbeque area and improved landscaping.

“The existing library building at 381 Halswell Road was built in 1968 and is too small for present community needs, so the new facility – with its larger collection, self-service technology, learning spaces and range of public computers – will be much-welcomed,” Mayor Parker says. The existing library building’s future has not yet been decided and is part of the Council’s Facilities Rebuild Plan project.

“The level of investment and sense of identity amongst the Halswell community is strong and the community has been involved from the start,” Mayor Parker says.

The Council welcomes public comment on the proposed layout of services and landscaping.

Respondents should ensure comments reach the Council by 5pm Thursday 29 August.

Please email: HalswellCommunityFacility@ccc.govt.nz, ring (03) 941 5207 or mail:

Freepost 178
Capital Investigations Unit
Christchurch City Council
PO Box 73011
Christchurch 8154

“Ultimately, we will have facility that meets all modern standards, but still feels like a welcoming community mainstay that will be much-loved for generations to come,” Mayor Parker says.

For more information please see www.ccc.govt.nz/halswellcommunityfacility

ENDS

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