27 Nov 2000

Public consultation over the proposed new combined library, service centre and learning centre in Beckenham will start soon.

The Christchurch City Council has given the go-ahead to the $4.5 million project in principle but public consultation will start next month.

Three public meetings will be held from 5-7 December at 7pm. The first will be at the Cashmere Club, the 6 December meeting at the Hoon Hay Club, and on 7 December at the Risingholme Community Centre. The chairman of the Spreydon-Heathcote Community Board, Oscar Alpers, says the plan is a bonus for the district.

Mr Alpers says there will be no reduction in the service provided by the St Martins, Beckenham, and Spreydon, Barrington Street, libraries.

Mr Alpers believes the Spreydon Library will continue as it is and he thinks the St Martins Library may be upgraded in future.

However, the fate of the volunteer library in Beckenham is not so certain.

"I am hoping for a large measure of agreement by the community about the new building," Mr Alpers said.

"I cannot see any downside in the proposal," he said.

Further information: Oscar Alpers: 359 8311.

Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz

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