A new modern, modular building will provide a better option for Point Chevalier library-goers.
It will be located at the intersection of Great North and Point Chevalier roads, at the site of the old library – closed since October 2022 due to its deteriorating condition.
That building will be removed to make way for the mod library, replacing the pop-up service at Huia Road and offering an up-to-date, bigger and more user-friendly environment.
The Huia Road site has been in operation for almost two years, but Albert-Eden Local Board has decided the new modular building will provide a better medium-term solution to the closure of the permanent library.
Following analysis and reviews of investigation findings by Auckland Council staff, the board voted to take down the current building, with a planned opening date for the mod library in early 2025.
“Unfortunately, this means we will have to say goodbye to the existing building in the town centre,” says Albert-Eden Local Board chair Smith.
“Due to its deterioration and to futureproof our community’s needs we’re making way for an interim solution while we work on a more fit-for-purpose facility that will deliver good value for money.
“We are really excited to have finally found a solid medium-term solution for the Point Chevalier community as we continue to develop a state-of-the-art outcome for the future of library services in Point Chevalier. We want people to be assured that we are committed to providing these services permanently.
“This mod library will be a huge benefit in terms of reactivating the town centre, increasing pedestrian traffic which will potentially deter anti-social behaviour and bring Point Chevalier back to life with more adequate library and community services that the pop-up library at Huia Road couldn’t fully deliver,” says chair Smith.
“A lot of work has gone into making this decision so that the Point Chevalier community continues to have a functioning library that is financially viable.
“And we would like to thank everyone who visited and made the most of that service. Particularly, the library team who did a fabulous job of looking after our community in the temporary space,” she says.
Auckland Council’s Head of Community Delivery, Kevin Marriott is confident the new modular facility will provide more than just a library’s minimum requirements.
“The mod library will house a substantial collection of books, provide regular programming such as Wriggle & Rhyme, public computers, printing, wi-fi access, study spaces and general librarian-provided services,” says Marriott.
“Availability and access to services will increase in the new mod space, which includes ventilation and heating, exceeding minimum service levels experienced in the pop-up library,” he says.
“With a more adequate facility, the mod library will be operating 52 hours a week.”
The modular building will be purchased with the intention of being resold at the end of its tenure.
In October 2022, the library building at Great North and Point Chevalier roads was closed due to ongoing water ingress issues and air quality reports that indicated toxic mould was present in the building, which has further deteriorated during its closure.
Following investigations into remedial work and re-roofing, council staff concluded that a futureproof option would be more cost-effective than significant reparation work requiring substantial capital investment.
The community will be consulted on options for the permanent future of Point Chevalier’s library services before the end of the year and the pop-up site will be returned to a community venue for hire.
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