Study on new Cambridge library underway

Local firm, PAUA Architects will undertake a feasibility study for a new library in Cambridge.

The study on behalf of Waipā District Council will look at different options available for the library and the potential inclusion of a community hub and heritage offering. The team will assess community need, cost, practicality and will also look at where a future library might be located.

Five companies were invited to tender and all responded. Respondents were assessed via a formal tender evaluation process with PAUA coming out on top given the team are Waipa-based, had invited early (and ongoing) mana whenua involvement in their proposal, and because of the innovation and creativity brought to the process.

This $250,000 feasibility study is being wholly funded by central government’s Better Off Fund which aims to invest in the future of local government and community wellbeing. It will have no impact on rates.

Waipā District Council community services manager Brad Ward said the study, to begin immediately, will provide “necessary up-front thinking” before any investment decisions are made. It was likely a number of community groups will be consulted or involved as part of the process, he said.

The Cambridge Community Board has identified a new library for Cambridge as one of its top priorities, and is providing input to the project.

Ward noted the current library currently has 22,664 members, with membership growing rapidly. The library had been in the Wilson Street location, next to the Council building, since 1998 and has simply outgrown the space.

“We know our current library in Cambridge is simply too small and cannot meet customer and staff expectations. There’s not enough room for books and items, there are limited spaces for events and education programmes and staff are struggling to work in the congested back-office spaces,” Ward said.

“Libraries play such an important role in our community and offer much more than just books. They provide spaces for our community to come together, to learn and to connect. Cambridge’s population is expected to increase by around 10,000 people by 2050 - so making sure we have a space to meet our community needs is really important.”

The feasibility study will be completed by February. Approximate costs for the library and community hub will be considered by Council as part of Council’s 2024-34 Long-Term Plan process.