Four options are being investigated for future library and community services in Point Chevalier and will be presented to Albert-Eden Local Board in mid-2024.
Local board chair, Margi Watson is thrilled that assessment for a new and improved facility for the community is now underway.
“The purpose of this investigative work is to assess the merits of any proposed investment, ensure the intended outcomes align with our priorities and analyse costs and benefits to warrant a robust case for change,” she explains.
Currently, the Point Chevalier’s library service is operating at a limited capacity as a pop-up facility at the community centre at 18 Huia Road while preparations are underway to move to an intermediary town centre location in early 2024. Details about the new location will be announced soon.
At its November business meeting, the local board granted approval for the investigation to explore the feasibility of the options and to investigate appropriate funding sources.
Three of the options focus on the potential development of a community hub to deliver integrated library and community centre services at:
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the Point Chevalier Library site, 1221 Great North Road
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the Point Chevalier Community Centre/Learning at the Point site, 18-20 Huia Road
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and a potential lease site.
The hub is intended to provide a one-stop-shop for library and community services. Across the region various communities are already benefiting from integrated services and tailored facilities, such as Te Manawa, Westgate, and Te Paataka Koorero O Takaanini, Takanini.
The fourth option proposed is to remediate the existing library and community centre to required standards to become fully operational again.
Point Chevalier Library 1221 Great North Road
“It’s important to ensure library and community services meet the needs of our growing and changing communities,” says chair Watson.
“Last year’s library closure, due to health and safety concerns caused by significant water damage, expedited the opportunity to review future provision and delivery of Point Chevalier's library services, given the significant cost to fix the library.”
With a residential development proposing up to 6,000 homes on Carrington Road, chair Watson believes new and improved facilities can’t come soon enough to service the expected growth.
“We’re anticipating the Point Chevalier area to experience significant population growth and changing demographics,” she says.
“The investigative process for the provision of library and community services will involve consulting with key stakeholders, such as Plunket and community kindergarten, Learning at the Point, which potentially could be impacted by proposed changes. The wider community will also be engaged later in the process.”
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