Extension of the Trevor Inch Memorial Rangiora Library

Waimakariri Libraries operate as vibrant community hubs, making connections with our diverse community. They continue to reflect on and grow operations that enrich the lives of our communities supporting community wellbeing and fostering community cohesion.

In the 2021-31 LTP the Council put aside funding to expand and upgrade the Trevor Inch Memorial Rangiora Library and Rangiora Civic Building.

The timeline for project design to start was 2028 with construction scheduled to take place between 2028 – 2030. A budget of $22.0m was put aside for the Civic Building and $8.3m for the Library.

Since then, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have swept the world and New Zealand is currently facing a cost of living crisis causes by high inflation.

For these reasons, the Council said it would revisit this project for the 2024-34 LTP. The District’s growing population has put pressure on the available space at Rangiora Library, and provision of library services and collections.

Waimakariri’s population will reach near on 100,000 by 2050.

Similarly, Council staff are currently spread across several buildings, and it would be more efficient to house all staff in one location.

During deliberations on the draft LTP, the Council carefully considered the need to upgrade these facilities while balancing affordability and rates restraint.

The decision was to focus primarily on an upgrade to the Trevor Inch Memorial Rangiora Library.

The existing building does not currently meet the needs of our diverse and growing population as the District’s Libraries shift to how library services are delivered and consumed with a wider community-led approach that includes art and museum experiences, digital offerings, and spaces to work and relax.

OPTIONS:

A: Council’s preference

Due to affordability this is the Council’s preference. The project scope of the dual building upgrade is pulled back from the 21/31 LTP to focus on a ground floor extension of the western side of the library alone. The current library will be retained.

The Civic Building upgrade project has been budgeted for 2034/35, outside of the LTP period. It will be funded by debt for the capital expenditure and rates for increased operational costs once completed. There will be an ongoing budget for minor refurbishments and leasing premises for staff ahead of 2034.

This will increase levels of service for the social outcome that Public spaces are diverse, respond to changing demographics and meet local needs for leisure and recreation.

B: Both projects go ahead and combined under one budget

We’ve revised the project budget to deliver a two-story building with the library on the ground floor with the Civic Building on the top floor. This will mean both buildings can cater for growth and deliver the services needed by the community.

This will increase levels of service for the social outcome that Public spaces are diverse, respond to changing demographics and meet local needs for leisure and recreation.

C: Minor refurbishments

Budget is put aside for refurbishments and upgrades to be undertaken where urgently needed. This option isn’t recommended as the current space will not suffice for our growing community and demand for Library and Civic services.

All option rates include construction/operation costs and debt servicing