AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

22 March 2007

Waiheke Island library, service centre and Artworks development project now in stage two

Waiheke Island residents will soon have another opportunity to express their opinions regarding the Waiheke library, service centre and Artworks development project.

Earlier this month Auckland City Council's Community Development and Equity Committee approved the consultation report, which summarised the results of the first stage of public consultation for the Waiheke library, service centre and Artworks project.

The project has now moved into stage two, which involves consultation with urban planners and investigation of possible sites, accessibility, urban design requirements and cost issues. The project team aim to develop some preliminary options for the facilities by May of this year.

The draft options will take into account the key themes that emerged from the stage one public consultation process. These included: * a preference for the library to remain at Oneroa, although Ostend was also favoured by a number of submitters * the importance of the library as a cultural and community hub * better and larger facilities for Artworks.

Once the draft options have been received and approved by the committee, Waiheke Islanders will have an opportunity to state their preferences and offer further feedback. Public views will also be sought in developing a strategic plan for Artworks.

Committee chairperson Councillor Cathy Casey acknowledges the importance of the public consultation process in finding the best ways to deliver these vital council facilities.

"These facilities have a key role to play in Waiheke's community and the best advice on their future development comes from those who use them directly, on a frequent basis," she says.

ENDS

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