Fairlie Old Library Building Decision Soon

A new plan to repair Fairlie’s Old Library Building is being considered.
A second public meeting to discuss the future of the Old Library Building was held on November 14 at the Mackenzie District Council. The meeting discussed a proposal by Graham McDermid of Architects Plus. Mr McDermid has offered to provide architectural services for the rebuild and repair of the Old Library building at no cost to the Mackenzie District Council.

Architects Plus has completed a rebuild design and obtained conservative price estimates from a specialist construction company and a local builder. This shows the cost of repairing the Old Library building is expected to be $585,000, including a contingency allowance.

Mackenzie District Council chief executive Wayne Barnett says the Old Library building was damaged by fire in October, 2011. It was insured and the insurance company has given the council several options regarding settlement. The insured value is $676,000 excluding GST. This can be used to either repair the existing building, or construct a replacement new building.

The proposal presented by Architects Plus would see the interior of the Old Library repaired and the original exterior strengthened to meet appropriate earthquake standards.

Mr Barnett says there was good public support for this option at the public meeting on November 14, however he would still like to hear from any members of the public who were unable to attend and would like to express their view.

The next step in the process will be to take the issue to a meeting of the Fairlie Community Board on November 25. This meeting will be open to the public.
A final decision on the future of the Old Library Building will then be made by the full council once it has considered public feedback and any recommendations that come from the Fairlie Community Board. If the proposal from Architects Plus is accepted, construction work on the building is expected to be completed by next spring.

“Council will consider two key parameters when deciding how to proceed. First they will need to weigh up the relative benefits of owning a repaired heritage building against a new, purpose built commercial building. Second, they will need to assess the cost, risk and uncertainty associated with each option.”
If you have any questions or would like to contribute your views, contact the Mackenzie District Council at info@mackenzie.govt.nz, or 03 685 9010, or PO Box 52, Fairlie 7949.

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