New Te Awamutu library closer
Construction of Te Awamutu's new library looks set to begin in early 2016.
An exterior design concept for the library (attached) was presented to Councillors today (Tuesday, June 30).
The new library, along with a proposed new museum, will anchor the long-planned community hub planned for the corner of Mahoe Street and Selwyn Lane. While council will fully fund the new library, the museum is dependent upon the community raising $2.5 million.
Te Awamutu's existing library is sized well below national standards, leaving it unable to provide community and only some of the programmes offered by most other libraries. Its design also makes it difficult for some people, particularly older people, to use.
For Waipa Mayor Jim Mlycreest, the project is at an exciting phase.
We have been planning this much-needed library for some time now and it will be a real asset for Te Awamutu.
Libraries play a crucial role in the community. They are not only just a place to get books anymore, they are often the heart of a community and are a centre of all sorts of information, he said.
Fletcher Construction has won the contract to build the new library which has a budget of $4.4 million.
The next stage of the project involves further development of the exterior design and work on the interior design and layout.
Construction is expected to take around eight months with the library due to open in late 2016.
ENDS
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