Decision on the future of the South Library building

The future of the earthquake-damaged South Library and Service Centre building is being considered by the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board on 14 September.

Christchurch City Council staff recommend a rebuild of the facility. Read the recommendation.

Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board Chair Callum Ward says the South Library and Service Centre building was badly damaged in the 2010/2011 earthquakes.

“The Council has made the facility safe to occupy with temporary strengthening, but the fact is it still has to be repaired or rebuilt at some stage – and the longer we wait, the more expensive it will be,” Mr Ward says.

“We’re early in the journey, and the Council and the local Community Board have been engaging with the community about what they want to see, and exploring all the options including a repair or a rebuild.

“Staff are recommending a rebuild as the faster, more cost-effective, and more environmentally-friendly option, but ultimately we’re committed to whatever it takes to get this treasured facility back up and running at full capacity for the community.”

The Community Board’s recommendation will go to the full Council for a final decision in October 2023.

Should the Council decide to rebuild, the design will be completed and consented, followed by procurement and construction, which would begin in 2025 and take around 20 months.

“If we proceed with a rebuild on the same site, the current building would need to be deconstructed before construction can begin – but it will stay open until then,” Mr Ward says.

“Staff are currently looking at options for library and customer services, so that the community have alternatives while construction is underway.”