Albany Village Library is one of Auckland’s smallest but busiest libraries and with demand for library services in Upper Harbour only growing, residents say they want a new multi-purpose facility to meet future needs.
That local feedback -- from consultation on the council’s Long-term Plan -- is helping progress the library project, which is a priority for Upper Harbour Local Board over the coming year.
Every year, local boards and the Governing Body reach a local board agreement that sets out activities to be provided in the area and the local board’s budget.
This financial year, $17.4 million has been allocated to Upper Harbour facilities and community services, with $13.2 million going into capital investments in the area.
Board chair Anna Atkinson says that while constrained budgets bring challenges, several key projects supported by the community are included in the agreement.
“First up is building a new library in Albany. We can’t wait any longer as our population is growing fast, and the village library serves the whole local board area.
“Our library is too small, and its lease is set to expire in a few years. We must act now and have already invested in a geotechnic study of the preferred location.
“We are working a detailed business case and investigating options to sell land as we need to fund any building shortfall. Before we make any major decisions, including the sale of any land, we will consult with our community.”
Other key initiatives include:
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implementing actions from the Upper Harbour Ethnic Peoples Plan, the Upper Harbour Engagement Strategy, and the Upper Harbour Greenways Plan
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supporting environmental projects that mitigate the effects of climate change including tree planting, and funding environmental volunteers
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implementing actions from the Upper Harbour Wheeled Recreation Service Assessment which evaluated wheeled play opportunities in Upper Harbour, and includes the purchase of a portable pump track that can move around different communities.
Budget constraints and cost escalations have impacted the delivery of Te Kori Scott Point, and the project has been scaled back. The new park will open later this year giving locals access to walkways and green open spaces.
On behalf of the local board, Atkinson would like to thank everyone for their feedback and says,
“It was encouraging to find 66 per cent of submitters and 79 per cent of local organisations supported all or most of the local board’s priorities.”
The board’s agreement is online at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
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