23 Jun 2021

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Public feedback has resulted in Christchurch City Council re-thinking plans around library and art gallery opening hours and service centres in Lyttelton and Akaroa.

“The level of service changes that were proposed in the Draft 2021-31 Long Term Plan were aimed at reducing the city’s running costs but we got strong feedback during the submissions process that people didn’t want cuts in these areas,’’ says Councillor Sara Templeton, Chair of the Sustainability and Community Resilience Committee.

“We have listened to that feedback and have decided not to proceed with all the proposed service levels changes at this stage.’’

The Council has instead decided that:

  • The mobile library will be retained for now and staff will consult more widely with customers about their needs and how those needs can be met now and into the future.
  • Tūranga will open five public holidays a year, as it is a major central city attraction, and it will remain open until 8pm on weekdays.
  • Fendalton and Upper Riccarton libraries will stay open until 8pm on weekdays.
  • South Christchurch and Te Hapua libraries will close at 7pm weekdays.
  • The Fingertip Library will open from Monday to Saturday and close on Sundays.
  • Matuku Takotako: Sumner Library  and Aranui Library will stay open on Sundays.
  • Linwood Library will remain open until 7pm on Thursday.
  • Christchurch Art Gallery’s opening hours will remain unchanged and the current level of service for its education and public programmes will be retained.
  • The Akaroa and Lyttelton Service Centres will remain open.

“We received some very impassioned submissions about the value of the Art Gallery’s education and public programmes. Likewise we got a number of submissions from residents in Akaroa and Lyttelton that stressed the importance of being able to have face-to-face contact with Council staff. We have taken that feedback on board,’’ Cr Templeton says.