15 Apr 2025

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The first steps to build the new Ōmōkihi South Library and Customer Service Hub are about to get underway.

Carolyn Robertson, Head of Libraries and Information at Christchurch City Council, says Cook Brothers Construction has been appointed the main contractor to carry out the work.

“Our contractors will spend the first few weeks stripping out the interiors of the existing building at 66 Colombo Street, then move on to the full demolition,” Ms Robertson says. 

This phase is expected to take until the end of July and will be followed by the construction of the replacement building. 

“The entire project is set to wrap up at the end of next year, with doors opening in December 2026,” Ms Robertson says. 

Councillors approved the rebuild of the earthquake-damaged community facility in October 2024.  

“It’s great to see the construction phase getting started on the very popular community site,” says Callum Ward, Chair of the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board. 

“The South Christchurch Farmers’ Market will keep running throughout the rebuild project, and people can continue to visit the pop-up South Library site at the Colombo and customer service desk at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre,” Mr Ward says. 

Cook Brothers Construction Regional Manager Jaden Scott says contractors are setting up a community information hub at the entrance to the library car park on Hunter Terrace. 

“While we will have fencing in place to keep the worksite safe and secure, people are welcome to stop by the info hub and see the progress of the rebuild or drop us a line about any concerns,” Mr Scott says.

“We look forward to working with the local community and keeping everyone informed throughout the project.” The new $32 million facility will include a library, customer services hub, a learning centre, café, governance spaces and meeting rooms.  

The new $32 million facility will include a library, customer services hub, a learning centre, café, governance spaces and meeting rooms. 

For more information, visit the project webpage and sign up for the newsletter.