Six options on the table for new Cambridge library

Six options are being investigated for a new library and community hub in Cambridge.

The options are being considered as part of a feasibility study for the project which kicked off last month following conversations with the Cambridge Community Board, mana whenua, Waipā library staff and other stakeholders about their future aspirations for the space.

All options will be further costed and refined before being widely discussed with the community next year.

The current Cambridge library is approximately 740 square metres and has outgrown its space. Preliminary work shows it should be 2,100 square metres to meet current demand and with Cambridge’s rapid population growth, a space of 2,600 square metres will be required in another 20 years.

The six options being considered are:

1. Status quo
2. Expand the current library – remain within one level of 23 Wilson Street, using some of the existing Council office space (library only)
3. Expand the current library – expand over two levels of 23 Wilson Street, using some of the existing Council office space (library only)
4. Expand the current library – extend the 23 Wilson Street building to enable the expansion (library only)
5. Relocation / Renovation – move the library and utilise an existing building within Cambridge (library and community hub)
6. Build – build a new purpose-built facility at another location in Cambridge (library and community hub)

Waipā District Council community services manager Brad Ward said the research and kōrero so far had shown the team there is strong support for the library to be expanded to include a community hub element of some sort.

“As part of the feasibility study, we’ll be looking at the options of a community hub including various services such as a museum or heritage component, community creative spaces, i-SITE, and Council customer service centre. All things that will bring our community together in one central space.”

Waipā District Mayor Susan O’Regan is supportive of exploring the options, particularly those that include some sort of community hub component.

“Libraries play a critical role in communities and these days are very rarely built in isolation. A library’s offering goes far beyond books. Libraries are essentially the living rooms of our towns and need to provide a range of comforts our community can benefit from, together”.

The options will be refined and costed over the next few months and will then be discussed with the community in Council’s Long-Term Plan consultation process next year.