A concept plan for what will happen inside of the new Takanini Library and Community Hub has been released – now we want to know what you think.
Over the past nine months, the council has been talking with local residents, schools and a wide variety of stakeholders to get a better understanding of what kind of services they want to see offered from the hub as well as what it might look like.
“We’ve got a lot of great ideas and know we are keen to know if we have it right," says Papakura Local Board Chair Brent Catchpole.
"One of the big successes of this project will be that the community has had so much input so they will feel like it is theirs already.”
He says it’s been a long wait but he is excited to see progress.
“We actually first started talking about it in the Papakura District Council days so it’s a proud moment to finally be at this stage of about to start construction.
“It’s going to be great to see this facility become part of this growing community. They have waited so long and I know they are looking forward to it.”
The new facility is scheduled to open in early 2020.
How to have your say
View the concept plan on display at the Sir Edmund Hillary Papakura Library and the Papakura Local Board office.
You can also come along to drop-in sessions at the Takanini Hall, 8 Takanini Rd:
- 1 September, 1-4pm
- 6 September, 6.15pm-8.15pm
You can also view the plans and give your feedback on our website.
Feedback closes on 21 September.
About the Takanini Community Hub and Library project
Auckland Council has leased a 600-square building within stage two of the Takanini Village development on Arion Road.
The developers, Tonea Investments Limited, are responsible for the construction and design of the building while the council is responsible for the fit out and service delivery.
Developer James Wallace says having the community hub within the village is a major milestone towards its journey to have a true town centre for Takanini and he is looking forward to working with the council and local board to deliver a quality facility for the community.
“This facility is the anchor of the next stage of the Takanini Village project and will provide for complimentary service providers, retailers, office tenants and food and beverage operators.
“The building’s position on Arion Road will mean great access for the neighbouring residents but also ensures it stays connected within the greater Takanini Village town centre.”
Exterior design inspired by Takanini’s past
Ignite Architects has designed the outside of the building to draw on the geological history of its location, which consisted of mainly swampland.
Just like the logs of kauri excavated and pulled from the grounds of Takanini to build houses, the Takanini library and community hub will extend from the ground and stand tall on its site while also protruding into the fringe of a local community that is currently blossoming.
The strength of the roofline provides a civic gravitas in an otherwise newly established town centre, while at the same time working in harmony with the pitch lines of existing buildings in the village. The timber elements on diagonal opposing ends of the building lend warmth and a human scale to the building.
This building stands proudly on the corner of the whole Takanini Village site, defining itself as a community landmark within a contemporary and inviting environment.
