Library development plans approved

Glen Eden’s new library, Citizens’ Advice Bureau and service centre is a step closer to reality with the Council’s approval of its second design phase – which adds detail to the design concept approved in March.

Work on the $2.7m community facility – to be built on the corner of Glendale and Oates Roads - is expected to start in October.

The design is a collaboration between Waitakere City Council, architects Warren & Mahoney, landscape architects Boffa Miskell, local artist and set designer John Parker and local iwi representative and architect, Saul Roberts.

In keeping with the Council’s Eco City principles, the building will be designed to minimise energy and water consumption, with natural light and ventilation, passive solar heating, environmentally-friendly building materials, water management systems and energy-efficient lighting.

The single-level development will also include magnificent views of the Waitakere Ranges, public meeting spaces, 27 new carparking spaces, several outdoor seating areas, integrated artworks, a carved pou whenua in a grove of kauri trees and a public plaza fronting Glenmall Place and Glendale Road.

Covering 900 sq m – twice the size of the previous library - the library will be the first in Waitakere City to have an integrated learning centre, focussed on information technology and free Internet access. When fully stocked, the library will have about 47,000 books.

“The development was always intended to be much more than a library and service centre. It will be an important link between Glen Eden’s community buildings and shopping precinct and will provide a springboard for future development of the town centre,” says Councillor Janet Clews, former Glen Eden Mayor and chair of the Council’s Finance and Operational Performance Committee.

The facility is scheduled for completion by mid-2004. The Glen Eden Library will remain at its temporary premises on West Coast Rd until then.

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