​Library Extension and Council Chambers Refurbishment

The Waimate District Council Library extension and Council Chambers refurbishment is scheduled to begin in February next year.

Following a tender process, the contract has been awarded to local business Hayden Tait Building Limited.

Timaru-based Rushton Architects have been engaged to design, tender and manage the construction elements of the project.

The total project budget is $1.925 million, up to $900,000 of which is coming from the Government’s Better Off Funding package. It is anticipated that the project will be completed later next year.

Extending the library will allow larger groups to be accommodated and provide dedicated learning areas. The Council Chambers will address the poor lighting and airflow, create a multi-functional space, and future-proof the area to meet the changing technology demands of local authorities, including the ability to live-stream Council meetings.

A scaled-down version of the library will function out of the Club Room in the Event Centre, 15 Paul Street, while construction is taking place. More details will be provided ahead of the move..

While work is happening in the Council Chambers, Council meetings will also be held in the Event Centre.

The projects have been spoken about by Council for several years but have been deferred for a variety of reasons until April 2022 when elected members agreed to move ahead with the project.

“Having a fit for purpose library is essential to any community and Council think it is time to hit the green light and move the district forward,” Mayor Craig Rowley said.

“Libraries are no longer just a place to get books, they form an essential service as a community hub.”

“This will extend the lifespan of the building and improve one of our most important facilities.”

The completed library building will also contain the Information Centre, bringing visitors back to Queen Street.